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THE 


BOOT  AND  SHOE  MANUFACTURERS' 
ASSISTANT  AND  GUIDE. 

CONTAINING 

A   BRIEF  HISTORY    OF   THE  TRADE. 

AND  THEIR  APPLICATION  TO  THE  MANUFACTURE  OF  BOOTS  AND  SHOES. 

FULL  INSTRUCTIONS  IN  THE  ART, 

WITH  DIAGRAMS  AND  SCALES,  ETC.,  ETC. 

VULCANIZATION  AND  STTLPHURIZ ATION, 

ENGLISH  AND  AMERICAN  PATENTS. 

WITH 

AN  ELABORATE  TREATISE  ON  TANNING, 


"  SUTOR  ULTRA  CREPIDAM." 


COMPILED  AND  EDITED  BY 

W.  H.  RICHARDSON,  Jr. 

"  Give  good  hearing  to  those  who  give  the  first  information  in 
business. ' ' — Bacon. 

BOSTON: 
HIGGINS,  BRADLEY  &  DAYTON, 

20  Washington  St. 

1858. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1858,  by 
W.  H.  RICHARDSON,  Jr., 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  Massachusetts. 


PREFACE. 


In  preparing  the  following  pages,  the  author  has  aim- 
ed to  supply  a  want  hitherto  unsupplied.  No  work 
devoted  to  the  wants  of  the  Boot  and  Shoe  maker,  man- 
ufacturer, or  merchant,  has  ever  been  compiled.  Able 
articles  upon  the  "  Trade,"  statistical  statements,  and 
general  comments  upon  matters  of  interest  local  in  their 
character,  and  having  particular  reference  to  the  state 
of  the  times  in  which  they  were  written,  have  been  pub- 
lished, perused  and  forgotten.  But  no  work,  containing 
a  history  of  this  important  mechanical  interest,  together 
with  instructions  in  the  science  of  the  Boot  and  Shoe 
manufacture,  has  ever  been  written.  The  Author  does 
not  flatter  himself  that  he  has,  by  any  means,  exhausted 
so  fruitful  a  subject,  but  that  he  has  prepared  and  com- 
piled important  facts  and  rules,  and  submitted  valuable 
suggestions  which  are  correct  in  theory,  and  practical 
in  their  application,  he  has  not  a  doubt. 

Within  a  few  years,  this  important  industrial  interest 
has  assumed  almost  wonderful  proportions,  and  it  now 
towers  in  magnitude  and  importance,  above  all  its  com- 
peers. New  elements  have  been  introduced  into  the 
manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes,  and  fortunes  have  been 
expended  in  endeavoring  to  introduce  new  methods  by 


iv 


PREFACE. 


which  to  cheapen1  the  process  of  manufacture,  as  well  as 
the  raw  material.  The  introduction  India-rubber  and 
Gutta-percha  as  articles  of  mechanical  use,  has  quick- 
ened the  pulses  of  invention,  and  has  already  produced 
wonderful,  and  important  changes  in  all  departments  of 
the  mechanic  arts,  and  more  especially  in  that  of  boots 
and  shoes.  Already  have  these  important  vegetable 
gums,  and  the  thousand  uses  of  which  they  are  suscep- 
tible, attracted  the  attention  of  the  world,  and  last  but 
not  least,  we  are  indebted  to  the  discovery  and  use  of 
Gutta-percha  for  the  successful  insulation  of  the  Atlantic 
Gable,  without  which  substance,  the  cable  could  not 
have  been  safely  submerged.  Establishments  for  the 
manufacture  of  India-rubber,  and  Gutta-percha,  into  al- 
most every  conceivable  shape,  have  sprung  up,  as  it 
were  in  a  day.  Patents  for  its  use  and  application, 
are  constantly  presenting  themselves.  Heretofore,  it 
has  been  the  policy  of  all  interested  in  the  manufacture 
of  India-rubber  and  Gutta-percha,  to  surround  their  in- 
ventions with  an  air  of  mystery.  "No  admittance" 
has  been  blazoned  upon  their  laboratories,  and  no 
"  open  sesame  "  pronounced  by  the  uninitiated,  has  suc- 
ceeded in  opening  the  doors  to  their  carefully  guarded 
treasures. 

In  this  work,  we  have  endeavored  to  make  clear,  sim- 
ple, but  important  facts,  scientific  discoveries  and  obser- 
vations, which,  from  practical  experience,  we  know  to 
be  of  great  utility.  A  collection  of  the  most  approved 
recipes  for  the  preparation  of  compounds  of  India-rub- 
ber, and  Gutta-percha,  would  alone,  make  a  volume 
worthy  of  preservation.  But  we  have  endeavored  to 
present  all  the  important  rules,  practical  hints,  and 
observations,  necessary  to  the  manufacture  of  boots  and 
shoes,  also  an  important  and  economical  method  of  re-  . 
pairing  the  same. 


PREFACE. 


V 


Herein  may  be  found  a  history  of  the  discovery  of 
India-rubber  and  Gutta-percha,  its  uses  and  applications, 
the  inventions  which  they  have  called  into  existence, 
the  patents  that  have  been  taken  out,  the  "  claims  "  set 
forth  by  different  individuals,  the  causes  of  the  failures 
of  many  of  them,  and  a  brief  history  of  their  pretensions. 
We  herein  introduce  a  process  of  manufacturing  boots 
and  shoes,  of  the  most  durable  character,  at  about  one- 
half  the  expense  of  the  old  method,  by  a  process  so  simple 
that  the  humblest  cordwainer  in  the  land,  no  less  than 
the  wealthy  and  extensive  manufacturer,  can  at  once 
enter  upon  the  field  of  competition  ;  but  time  and  ex- 
periment will  determine  the  real  value  and  utility  of 
Gutta-percha  as  a  substitute  for  "  pegs"  and  "  stitches/ ' 
in  the  manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes. 

Particular  attention  has  been  given  to  the  application 
of  Gutta-percha,  and  India-rubber,  in  the  manufacture  of 
boots  and  shoes,  inasmuch  as  it  is  a  new  field,  and  much 
interest  is  manifested  by  the  "  craft  "  to  understand  its 
value  and  use. 

Not  least  in  the  application  of  this  process  of  shoe 
manufacture,  is  the  invaluable  benefit  to  be  derived  by 
all  who  wear  thin  soled  shoes  or  boots,  inasmuch  as  shoes 
thus  made  are  impervious  to  water  from  the  sole,  thus 
allowing  the  most  delicate  lady  to  walk  with  impunity 
upon  ground,  wet  by  the  morning  shower,  or  evening 
dew.  Perspiration  of  the  foot  is  in  no  wise  confined  by 
this  process,  as  it  escapes  from  the  upper  portion  of  the 
shoe. 

The  system  of  cutting  Patterns,  herein  set  forth,  is  alone 
worth  the  price  of  the  work,  as  its  simplicity,  scientific 
correctness,  and  application  to  every  description  of  boot 
or  shoe,  enables  any  mechanic  possessing  ordinary  inge- 
nuity, to  prepare  sets  of  patterns  for  all  classes  of  work 
desired.    Diagrams,  to  assist  the  beginner  are  explained 


vi 


PREFACE. 


so  clearly,  that  every  important  rule  is  at  once  under- 
stood. 

A  "Treatise  upon  Tanning"  is  also  introduced,  in 
which  the  subject  is  treated  in  a  comprehensive  manner, 
and  compilations  from  the  most  approved  authorities 
are  made. 

The  history  of  Vulcanization,  Adulterations  of  India- 
rubber,  (caoutchouc)  and  gutta-percha,  will  be  found  to 
contain  many  important  facts  and  suggestions. 

The  author  is  indebted  to  various  sources  for  many  of 
the  scientific  and  historical  facts  herein  contained.  First, 
to  a  Boston  gentleman  of  high  standing,  long  identified 
with  the  Boot  and  Shoe  interest,  for  facts  in  the  early 
history  of  the  trade  in  New  England. 

A  great  number  of  English  works  have  been  carefully 
examined,  and  such  of  their,  contents  as  bear  directly 
upon  the  elucidation  of  facts,  and  theories  set  forth, 
copied.  The  Scientific  American,  has  also  furnished  us 
with  many  important  facts  and  suggestions. 

All  the  practical  and  useful  compounds  herein  describ- 
ed, with  a  few  exceptions,  are  the  results  of  long, 
patient,  and  laborious  investigation  ;  also  the  process 
making  boots  and  shoes  by  the  new  method,  are  from 
actual  tests,  and  personal  experiments.  This  portion  of 
the  work,  or  rather  the  facts  therein  set  forth,  were  fur- 
nished by  a  gentleman  who  has  devoted  many  years  to 
the  prosecution  of  experiments  in  gutta-percha,  and 
India-rubber  compounds.  He  is  acknowledged  to  pos- 
sess great  practical  knowledge,  and  scientific  research 
in  tins  department  of  mechanical  art. 

A  general,  rather  than  a  scientific  compilation  has 
been  adopted,  so  that  the  work  shall  be  found  universal 
in  its  application,  although  addressed  especially  to  the 
mechanic.    All  technicalities  have  been  avoided  as  far 


PREFACE. 


as  possible,  and  simple  descriptions,  and  popular  terms 
substituted. 

The  "  Assistant  and  Guide,"  is  dedicated  to  all  inter- 
ested in  the  great  industrial  interest  which  it  represents. 
It  is  a  humble  pioneer  in  a  new  field,  and  is  submitted 
with  the  hope  that  it  may  be  found  a  valuable  "assistant" 
to  those  just  starting  in  the  first  years  of  their  appren- 
ticeship—a "guide"  to  such  as  are  desirous  of  per- 
fecting themselves  in  the  calling  to  which  their  efforts 
are  directed,  and  a  "  companion  "  to  the  merchant,  and 
all  who  seek  for  information,  in  the  thousand  varied 
channels  through  which  it  flows. 

w.  H.  R.  jr. 

Boston,  October,  1858. 


* 


CONTENTS. 


Introduction  —  An  account  of  the  various  styles  of  "covering 


for  feet,"  before  the  Christian  Era;  with  illustrations,   xv 


BOOK  X. 

CHAPTER  I 
Importance  of  the  Boot  and  Shoe  Trade,   -~   9 

CHAPTER  II. 
Rise  and  Progress  of  the  Boot  and  Shoe  Trade,    14 

CHAPTER  III. 
Guttapercha  —  its  Properties,  Manufactures,  &c,  &c,    19 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Gutta  Percha  —  its  First  Application  as  a  Cement  in  the  United 
States,   :   39 

CHAPTER  V. 

Gutta  Percha  for  Belts,  Harnesses,  &c. ;  its  Application  to  Wood 

Work,  &c,   43 

Testimonials,   45 

CHAPTER  VI. 

India  Rubber  —  its  Discovery,  Uses,  &c,    51 

Cleaning  Processes,  Mackintosh  Cloth,   56 

Cutting  Processes,  India  Rubber  Liquid,  Braids  and  Webs,  .  59—60 


Vulcanized;  Comparison  of  India  Rubber  and  Gutta  Percha,  61 — 65 


X 


CONTENTS. 


BOOK  II. 

CHAPTER  I. 

Preparation  of  Stock,   68 

Middle  Soles;  Spur  or  Spring  Lifts;  To  Prepare  Leather  Soles; 
To  Prepare  Counters;  Preparation  of  Stock  for  Cloth  Shoes; 
Preparation  of  the  Upper  Stock;  To  Prepare  Uppers  made  of 
any  description  of  Leather,  or  part  Leather  and  Cloth;  Instruc- 
tions for  Lasting ;  Cementing  Processes  after  Lasting ;  Direc- 
tions for  applying  Thick  or  Thin  Soles  to  Shoes  and  Boots; 
Remarks  on  Finishing;  Taps  or  Soles  for  Repairing;  Prepar- 
ing the  Boot  or  Shoe  to  be  Repaired;  Important  Facts  for 
Manufacturers ;  Compounds  for  Heels  of  Shoes  or  Boots ;  Va- 
rious Fibrous  Compounds  for  Leather  Soles,  &c;  Practical 
Hints. 

•  CHAPTER  II. 

Hints  and  Instructions  on  Pattern  Cutting,    79 

Diagrams  on  pages  82,  83,  84,  85,  87,  96,  97,  99;  Fitting  up 
Lasts  for  the  Measurement  of  the  Foot,  88 ;  Cutting  Boot  Pat- 
terns, 89 ;  Scales  for  Lasts,  91 ;  Scales  for  Medium  Proportions 
of  Feet,  93;  Directions  for  Pattern  Cutting,  93—101. 

CHAPTER  III. 
Instructions  for  Making  French  Custom  Boots,  Shoes  and  Gaiters,  130 


BOOK  III. 

CHAPTER  I. 

Discovert  of  the  Vulcanization  and  Sulphurizatiqn  of  In- 
dia Rubber  in  America,   ,   106 

Nathaniel  Hay  ward,  109;  Importance  of  the  Discovery,  113; 
Causes  of  Failure,  114;  Charles  Goodyear,  and  Interesting  Ac- 
count of  his  Trials,  114—124;  Results. 


CHAPTER  II. 
Vulcanization  —  Lnteresting  Reflections,  


128 


CONTENTS. 


xi 


CHAPTER  III. 

t 

Vulcanization  — Tests  of  Quality  of  Native  Gums,  Power  to  be 
used  in  Manufacture,  136 ;  Methods  of  Manufacture,  &c. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Vulcanization  —  Importance  of  Gum  Elastic  for  Educational 
Purposes,    142 


CHAPTER  V. 

Adulteration  of  India  Rubber  (Caoutchouc;)  English  System  of 
Adulteration  fully  presented,   145—164 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Valuable  Recipes  —  Purifying  Gutta  Percha,   

Marine  Glue;  India  Rubber  Armor;  New  Gutta  Percha  Com- 
position; India  Rubber  Varnish;  Water-Proofing  Oil;  India 
.  Rubber  Teeth;  Emery  Paper,  &c;  Cheap  Method  of  Making 
Leather  Water  Proof. 


BOOK  IV. 

CHAPTER  I. 

Gtjtta  Percha  Patents,  

First  Patent  by  D.  A.  Brooman,  fully  described;  Properties  of 
GuttaPercha;  Artificial  Fuels ;  Elastic  Applications;  Applica- 
tions in  State  of  Solution;  Patent  for  Improvements  in  Boots, 
Shoes  and  Gaiters,  181 ;  Description  of  Patent,  182—186 ;  Patent 
by  Charles  Hancock,  Improvements  in  the  Manufacture  of 
Gutta  Percha  and  its  Application,  186:  Description  of  Process 
of  Making  and  Applying  Varnishes  to  India  Rubber  Shoes,  &c, 
187;  Method  of  Making  Gutta  Percha  light,  porous  and  spongy, 
190;  Varnishes,  192;  Parke's  Improvements  in  Dyeing,  195; 
Hancock's  Patent  for  Improvements  in  Preparation  of  Gutta 
Percha,  and  Application  to  Manufacturing  Purposes,  196—200; 
Re-Vulcanization,  200 ;  Lorimier's  Patent  for  Combining  Gutta 
Percha  and  Caoutchouc  with  other  materials,  203 ;  Compounds 
for  Boots,  Shoes,  &c;  Hancock's  Specification  for  Making 


xii 


CONTENTS. 


Water  Proof  Shoes,  &c,  205;  Claim  for  Making  Shoes  of  Gutta 
Percha  with  other  materials,  208;  Cartley's  Patent  for  Var- 
nishes, 210 ;  Burke  for  Manufacture  of  Air-Proof  and  Water- 
Proof  Fabrics,  211;  Hancock's  Patent  for  Gutta  Percha  Heel 
Tips,  213 ;  Varnishes,  214;  Gerard's  Patent  for  Dissolving  India 
Rubber  and  Gutta  Percha,  217 ;  Newton's  Patent  Applicable  to 
Boots,  Shoes,  and  other  coverings  for  the  feet,  219;  N.  S. 
Dodge's  Improvements  in  Treating  Vulcanized  India  Rubber 
and  Gutta  Percha. 

CHAPTER  II. 

American  Patents  and  Claims  —  Introductory,  

Synopsis  of  American  Patents,  commencing  1813,  ending  1858, 
232 — 284;  Chaffee's  Patent,  Application  of  India  Rubber  to 
Cloth,  233;  Goodyear's  Patent,  Divesting  India  Rubber  of  its 
Adhesive  Qualities,  234;  Hayward's  Patent,  Sulphur  Prepar- 
ation, 237;  Chilcott  &  Snell's  Patent  for  Improvement  in  the 
Manufacture  of  Boots  and  Shoes,  255;  Reynold's  Patent  for 
Composition  in  Tanning,  257;  Edward  Brown,  for  Improve- 
ment in  Porous  Elastic  Cloth  for  Gaiters,  258 ;  Hyatt  &  Meyer, 
Improvement  in  Manufacture  of  Boot  and  Shoe  Soles  of  Gutta 
Percha  and  India  Rubber,  258;  J.  A.  Pease's  Improvement 
in  Over-Shoes,  262;  Tyer  &  Helm's  Improvement  in  Man- 
ufacture of  Boots  and  Shoes,  264;  Parmlee's  Attaching  Metallic 
Heels  to  India  Rubber  Soles,  265;  Arthur's  Machine  for  Cutting 
Boot  and  Shoe  Uppers  and  Soles  from  India  Rubber,  266 ;  Rice 
&  Whorf  Improvement  in  Lasting  and  Applying  Soles  to  Shoes, 
269—272;  Tyer  &  Helm,  Making  India  Rubber  Cloth,  271—272; 
Crockett,  Making  Sheets  of  Leather  from  Currier's  Shavings  or 
Buffings,  274;  N.  Hay  ward,  Preparing  Elagjc  India  Rubber 
Cloth,  275;  Thomas  C.  Wales'  Water  Proof  Gaiter  Shoes  and 
Boots,  279;  Samuel  Whitmarsh,  Composition  for  Artificial  Lea- 
ther, 282;  Boyden  &  Frederick's  Composition  for  Varnishing 
Leather,  283;  F.  Baschnagel,  for  Restoring  Waste  Vulcanized 
Rubber,  284 ;  Descriptive  Index  of  Chemical  Patents  Issued  in 
1855-66,  284—285. 

Remarks.— Many  of  the  Patents,  described  in  this  chapter,  are 
not  here  referred  to,  as  they  are  not  particularly  applicable 
to  the  Shoe  and  Leather  interest 


CONTENTS.  Xlll 

BOOK  V. 

CHAPTER  I. 

Tanning,   286 

Description  of  the  Art;  Natural  and  Artificial  Tanning,  289; 
Extent  of  the  Business  in  the  United  States,  290. 


CHAPTER  II. 
Tanning  and  the  Tanning  Woods  of  America,   293 

CHAPTER  III. 
Practical  Hints  on  Tanning,    301 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Hibbard's  Process  of  Tanning,   308 

CHAPTER  V. 

Tanning  Peocesses,  :   317 

The  Preller  Process,  318;  Tanning  Buckskin,  321 ;  New  Method 
of  Tanning,  322;  Dexter's  Process,  323^  Fair  Leather,  325. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Patents  for  Tanning,    326 

Hibbard's  Patent,  326;  Towle's  Patent,  327;  Enos  &  Hunt's, 

328. 

329 

Appendix,   

Jenkins'  Improved  Heater  and  Press;  Valuable  Recipes  for 
Guttapercha  and  India  Rubber  Cement  for  Boots  and  Shoes; 
Varnishes,  Gums  and  Glues,  331;  Black  Varnish  for  Boot  and 
Slioe  Edges  and  Heels,  333;  Water-Proof  Cement,  334;  Shellac 
Varnish,  335;  Glues,  336— 339 ;  Water-Proof  Cloth,  340;  Japan- 
ning Leather,  343 ;  Gums,  344. 

Directory,  


• 


INTRODUCTION, 


The  readers  of  the  "  Guide  "  will  be  interested  in  an 
examination  of  the  various  styles  of  shoes,  or  rather 
«  coverings  for  the  feet,"  that  have  prevailed,  dating 
some  fifteen  hundred  years  prior  to  the  advent  of 
Christ.  Some  of  the  most  unique,  we  have  had 
engraved  from  Cantrell's  designs,  which  we  here 
furnish,  to  give  correct  views. 

The   first  attempt,  of  which  we  have  any  account, 
to  give  style  to  the  coverings  of  the  feet,  produced 
the°Sandal.    These  differed  in  style,  though  slightly 
varied  in  form.     Those  used  by  the  poorer  classes 
were  constructed  of  flat  slices  of  the  palm  leaf,  which, 
lapped  over  in  the  centre,  formed  the  sole,  and  a 
double  band  of  twisted  leaves  secured  and  strength- 
ened the  edge ;   a  thong  of  the  strong  fibres  of  the 
same  plant  was  affixed  to  each  side  of  the  instep, 
and  was  secured  round  the  foot,   while  those  indulg- 
ed in  by  the  more  wealthy  classes  were  made  of  lea- 
ther, and  were  frequenty  lined  with  cloth,  the  point 
or  end  turning  up  like  a  pair  of  modern  skates.  The 
sandal  reached  its  greatest  perfection  among  the  Ro- 
mans.   The  emperor  Aurelian  gave  the  royal  permis- 
sion to  the  ladies  of  his  time  to  wear  sandals  of  various 
colors,  the  men  not  being  permitted,  to  indulge  in  so 
great  a  luxury.    The  Roman  senators  wore  buskins  of 


xvi 


INTRODUCTION. 


a  black  color,  with  a  crescent  of  gold  or  silver  on 
the  top  of  the  foot,  while  the  soldiers  wore  simple 
sandlas  fastened  by  thongs.  In  the  reign  of  Edward 
the  Third,  of  England,  those  who  worked  at  the  shoe 
trade,  were  denominated  the  "  gentle  craft,"  as  they 
produced  shoes  of  the  most  gorgeous  description,  the 
richest  contrasts  of  color  were  elaborated  and  the  great- 
est variety  of  pattern  devised. 


Fig.  1  in  this  plate  displays  a  beautiful  design. 
It  is  supposed  to  be  worn  by  one  of  the  royal  family. 


y 

if 

INTRODUCTION.  t  xvii 

The  English  shoe  of  the  middle  ages  is  "  beyond  all 
Greek,  beyond  all  Roman  fame."  The  second  specimen 
in  the  engraving  is  simpler  in  design,  but  not  less  strik- 
ing in  effect,  being  colored  jet  black,  and  worn  with  red 
hose.  Another  curious  fashion  of  those  times  was  — 
see  Fig.  3.  The  left  shoe  was  black  and  the  stocking 
blue,  the  other  leg  of  the  wearer  being  clothed  in  a 
black  stocking  and  a  white  shoe.  This  shoe  was  cut 
very  low  over  the  instep,  the  h'eel  being  entirely  cover- 
ed, and  a  band  fastened  by  a  small  buckle  or  button 
passing  round  the  ankle  secured  it  to  the  foot. 

Coming  down  to  the  reign  of  Richard  II.,  boots  and 
shoes  were  made  of  great  length,  so  that  they  were  chain 
ed  to  the  knee  of  the  wearer,  that  he  might  walk  with  some 
degree  of  freedom.  Of  course,  only  the  nobility  could 
afford  so  expensive  a  method  of  locomotion.  Extremes 
were  introduced  from  time  to  time,  as  in  our  own  day. 
During  the  reign  of  Edward  III.,  it  was  enacted  that  any 
shoemaker  working  for  the  "  unprivileged  classes,' 1 
should  not  make  any  shoes,  the  toes  which  should  ex- 
ceed two  inches  in  length,  under  a  penalty  of  twenty 
shillings.  This  edict  had  the  effect  to  widen  the  toes  to 
a  most  absurd  extent  ;  this  fashion  was  followed  by  a 
proclamation  from  Queen  Mary,  that  the  width  of  the 
toes  should  not  exceed  six  inches. 

The  mania  for  wearing  expensive  shoes,  in  1588,  was 
only  exceeded  in  folly  by  the  Tulip  excitement  at  a  later 
date  in  Holland.  Large  sums  were  expended  in  shoe 
decorations.  The  poet  Taylor  alluding  to  this  extrava- 
gance thus  writes  of  those  who, 

"  Wear  ufann  in  shoe  strings  edged  with  gold, 
And  spangled  garters  worth  a  copy  hold.'" 

In  the  reign  of  Charles  I.,  boots,  which  were  made  of 
elegant  Spanish  leather,  of  a  buff  color,  were  cut  so  large 


« 

xviii 


INTRODUCTION. 


and  wide  at  the  top,  that  the  wearer  was  obliged  to 
stride  so  ridiculously,  that  it  afforded  much  sport  for  the 
satirists  of  that  age.  In  the  time  of  Cromwell,  large 
boot  tops  were  worn  by  the  Puritans,  but  were  not 
adorned  with  lace.  Upon  the  restoration  of  Charles  II. 
came  the  enormous  French  boot,  in  which  the  courtiers 
of  "  Louis  le  grand7 '  delighted  to  show  their  legs. 


The  accompanying  cut  will  furnish  an  idea  of  the 
amplitude  of  the  tops.  The  boot  is  adorned  with  lace 
around  the  upper  part,  and  that  portion  of  the  boot  into 
which  the  leg  is  inserted  was  fitted  with  pliant  leather ; 
over  the  instep  is  a  broad  band  of  leather,  beneath  which 
the  spur  was  fastened. 

The  shoes  in  the  following  cut  were  such  as  were 
worn  by  the  ladies  during  the  reign  of  William  III. 


The  clog  beneath  the  shoe  on  the  left  side,  was  simply 
a  piece  of  stout  leather,  evidently  intended  to  protect 
the  feet  from  excessive  moisture.    The  distinguishing 


INTRODUCTION. 


xix 


mark  of  gentility  in  the  reign  of  George  I.  and  II., 
was  red  heels.  The  ladies  preferred  silk  or  velvet  to 
leather,  and  the  favorite  shoe  worn  by  the  ladies  of  the 
court  were  made  of  figured  blue  silk  vvith  bright  red 
heels  and  silver  buckles. 


The  above  cut  was  the  style  worn  in  1180.  Ten  years 
later  a  change  occurred  by  which  ladies'  shoes  were 
made  flat  and  low,  like  the  slipper  of  the  present  day. 

A  picture  by  Fores  was  published  in  1191,  of  a  shoe 
worn  by  the  duchess  of  York.  The  shoe  was  made  of 
green  silk,  ornamented  with  gold  stars,  and  bound  with 
scarlet  silk  ;  the  heel  was  scarlet  and  shaped  exactly  in 
the  modern  style. 

Shoe  buckles  disappeared  about  the  commencement  of 
the  present  century,  and  were  succeeded  by  the  plain 
shoe  string.  In  England  the  Prince  of  Wales  endeav- 
ored to  preserve  the  custom,  by  persisting  in  their  use, 
in  order  to  sustain  the  buckle-makers,  but  imperious 
fashion  was  too  powerful  for  even  the  influence  of  the 
great. 

The  accompanying  cut  represents  a  variety  of  shoes 
worn  by  females. 

No.  1  is  the  sandal  of  a  Russian  lady  of  1168.  The 
second  that  of  a  female  of  Finland,  a  low,  slipper-like 
shoe,  secured  by  a  band  across  the  instep,  having  an 
ornamental  clasp,  like  a  brooch,  to  secure  it  on  each 
side  of  the  foot ;  it  was  probably  a  coarsely  made  piece 
of  jewelry,  with  glass  or  cheap  stones  set  around  it,  as 
the  people  of  this  country  at  that  time  were  fond  of 
such  showy  decorations,  particularly  upon  their  sh  >es. 


XX 


INTRODUCTION. 


No.  3  is  a  production  of  the  same  country,  and  is  simi- 
lar to  those  worn  by  the  matrons  of  the  upper  classes. 
No.  4  is  the  shoe  of  a  Tartarian  lady  of  157 T.  Nos.  5 
and  6  are  examples  of  the  shoes  of  oriental  ladies,  which 
are  sometimes  highly  ornamented ;  the  covering  part 
being  wrought  with  gold,  silver,  and  silk,  and  perhaps 
set  with  jewels,  real  or  imitated.  The  shoes  of  noble- 
men are  of  similar  construction.  They  were  no  doubt 
easy  to  wear 


INTRODUCTION. 


xxi 


Not  so  are  the  ladies  shoes,  for  they  only  were  allow- 
ed the  privilege  of  discomfort,  fashion  having  in  this 
country  declared  in  favor  of  small  feet,  and  the  preju- 
dice of  the  people  having  gone  with  it,  the  feet  of  all 
ladies  of  decent  rank  in  society,  are  cramped  in  early 
life,  by  being  placed  in  so  strait  a  confinement,  that 
their  growth  is  retarded,  and  they  are  not  more  than 
three  or  four  inches  in  length,  from  the  toe  to  the  heel. 
By  the  smallness  of  the  foot  the  rank  or  high-breeding 
of  the  lady  is  decided  on,  and  the  utmost  torment  is 
endured  by  the  girls  in  early  life,  to  insure  themselves 
this  distinction  in  rank  ;  the  lower  classes  of  females  not 


xxii 


INTRODUCTION. 


being  allowed  to  torture  themselves  in  the  same  manner. 

The  Chinese  poets  frequently  indulge  in  panegyrics  on 
the  beauty  of  these  crippled  members  of  the  body,  and 
none  of  their  heroines  are  considered  perfect  without 
excessively  small  feet,  when  they  are  affectionately 
termed  by  them  "  the  little  golden  lilies."  It  is  need- 
less to  say  that  the  tortures  of  early  youth  are  succeed- 
ed by  a  crippled  maturity,  a  Chinese  lady  of  high  birth 
being  scarcely  able  to  walk  without  assistance.  These 
shoes  are  generally  made  of  silk  and  embroidered  in  the 
most  beautiful  manner,  with  flowers  and  ornaments  in 
colored  silk  and  threads  of  gold  and  silver.  A  piece  of 
stout  silk  is  generally  attached  to  the  heel  for  the  con- 
venience of  pulling  up  the  shoe. 

The  Turkish  ladies  of  the  sixteenth  century,  and  very 
probably  much  earlier,  wore  a  very  high  shoe  known  in 
Europe  by  the  name  of  a  "  chopine."  This  fashion, 
spread  in  Europe  in  the  early  part  of  the  seventeenth 
century,  and  it  is  alluded  to  by  Hamlet,  in  act  ii.,  scene 
2,  when  he  exclaims,  "  Your  ladyship  is  nearer  heaven 
than  when  I  saw  you  last,  by  the  altitude  of  a  chopine," 
by  which  it  appears  that  something  of  the  kind  was 
known  in  England,  where  it  may  have  been  introduced 
from  Venice,  as  the  ladies  there  wore  them  of  the  most 
extravagant  size. 

Coryat,  in  his  ''Crudities,'*  1611,  says:  "  There  is 
one  thing  used  by  the  Venetian  women,  and  some  others 
dwelling  in  the  cities  and  towns  subject  to  signiory  of 
Venice,  that  is  not  to  be  observed  (I  think)  among  any 
other  women  in  Christendom.7 7  The  reader  must  re- 
member that  it  was  new  to  Coryat,  but  a  common  fash- 
ion in  the  East.  The  engraving  is  intended  to  represent 
a  singular  fashion  once  adopted  by  the  Venetians.  It 
is  called  a  chapiney.  They  were  of  various  heights, 
some  half  a  yard,  the  tallest  being  worn  by  the  shortest 


INTRODUCTION. 


XX111 


women,  although  the  height  and  ornament  usually  de- 
signated the  nobility.  They  were  curiously  painted  and 
gilded.  It  required  the  utmost  skill  to  balance  upon 
the  chapines  :  the  ladies  always  in  public,  were  support- 
ed by  two  servants  or  old  women,  upon  whose  heads 
the  ladies  placed  their  hands,  and  in  this  ridiculous 
manner  proceeded  to  their  gondolas. 


The  sabot,  a  shoe  peculiar  to  France,  is  here  represent- 
ed. They  are  quite  clumsy,  but  warm  and  comfortable. 
Those  usually  worn  are  entirely  plain,  and  the  color  of 
the  wood. 


The  modern  styles  of  boots  and  shoes  do  not  require 
any  particular  description.  The  Gaiter  Boot  inaugura- 
ted a  new  era  in  the  history  of  "  coverings  for  the  feet," 
and  its  introduction  is  attributed  to  the  Counts*  of 


xxiv 


INTRODUCTION. 


Blessington.  This  boot  was  found  tobe  troublesome, 
owing  to  the  necessity  of  lacing  and  mating,  the  tags 
breaking  off,  holes  wearing  out,  and  such  like  annoy- 
ances. All  these  difficulties  were  obviated  in  a  great 
measure  by  the  introduction  of  the  Elastic  Gaiter. 


American  skill  and  ingenuity  has  completely  rivalled 
the  most  elegant  specimes  of  Parisian  handicraft,  and 
the  importation  of  French  gaiters,  which  was  once  quite 
extensive,  has  almost  or  quite  ceased.  Most  of  the  so- 
called  French  manufacture  is  the  product  of  American 
artizans.  This  "amiable  deception is  practiced  in 
order  to  gratify  the  whims  of  those  who  lack  confidence 
in  the  skill  and  taste  of  American  manufacturers.  An 
anecdote  illustrative  of  this  prejudice  is  general  in  its 
application.  The  incident  related,  occurred  in  a  Broad- 
way establishment,  New  York. 

A  lady,  after  examining  the  slippers  of  the  tradesman, 

said,  "  Mr.  ,  why  do  you  not  import  your  slippers 

from  Paris  V  "  Madam,"  was  the  reply,  "I  have 
already  sent  out  an  order,  and  I  expect  every  day  the 
arrival  of  an  extensive  assortment :  if  you  will  call  in 
in  about  a  week,  I  think  I  can  furnish  you  with  just  the 
article  you  desire."    The  lady  left,  promising  to  return, 

and  Mr.  visited  his*  printer  and  had  a  number  of 

"tickets,"  bearing  the  name  of  an  imaginary  French 
shoemaker,  struck  off,  and  by  her  next  visit  he  was  pre- 


INTRODUCTION. 


XXV 


pared  with  a  "  very  extensive  assortment."  She  was 
fitted  with  a  pair,  and  after  extolling-  the  style,  elegance, 
and  comfort  of  her  slippers,  insulted  the  tradesman  by 
enquiring  "why  he  did  not  make  such  shoes." 

The  Americans  are  rapidly  securing  to  themselves  a 
superiority  over  all  other  nations  in  this  important  man- 
ufacturing interest,  and  in  a  few  years  boots  and  shoes 
of  American  manufacture  will  be  regarded  as  the  ne 
plus  ultra  of  the  art. 


BOOK  I. 

CHAPTER L 

IMPORTANCE   OP  THE  BOOT  AND  SHOE  TRADE. 

The  great  importance  of  the  Boot  and  Shoe  Trade 
in  the  New  England  and  Middle  States,  and  the  vast 
amount  of  capital  devoted  to  its  development,  the 
energy,  brains,  and  perseverance  of  its  leading  men, 
place  this  branch  of  the  mechanic  arts  high  on  the 
list  of  the  great  industrial  interests  of  the  age.  It 
is,  therefore,  a  matter  of  surprise,  that  some  work 
has  not  appeared  which  should  contain  important 
scientific,  statistical,  and  practical  information  con- 
cerning the  rise  and  progress  of  the  Shoe  and  Leather 
interests.  Works  upon  Tanning  have  been  published, 
covering  many  of  the  collateral  branches  of  that 
science,  and  "fugitive  articles  occasionally  appear, 
giving  accounts  of  new  discoveries,  or  new  applica- 
tions of  old  methods,  concerning  the  preparation  of 
leather,  &c.  ;  but  in  the  manufacture  of  boots  and 
shoes,  no  work  has  ever  appeared  which  would  enable 
the  shoe-maker  to  make  any  advancement  in  his  call- 
ing, other  than  that  which  his  own  observation  or 
genius  might  suggest.    The  Boston  Board  of  Trade 


10 


IMPORTANCE  OF  THE 


publish  annual  Reports  in  which  appear  able  articles 
upon  the  Shoe  and  Leather  interests,  but  these,  of 
course,  are  mainly  statistical  and  financial  in  their 
character.  There  is  published,  also,  in  Boston,  New 
York,  and  Philadelphia,  simultaneously,  the  Shoe 
and  Leather  Reporter,  by  J.  D.  Field  &  Co.,  a  valu- 
able journal,  devoted  exclusively  to  the  trade  in 
boots  and  shoes,  leather,  hides  and  its  collateral 
branches,  also  market  reports  and  correspondence 
from  various  portions  of  the  world.  This  paper  is 
the  only  organ,  we  believe,  devoted  exclusively  to 
the  shoe  and  leather  interests.  Systems  of  measure- 
ment, the  cutting  of  patterns,  preparation  of  stock, 
all  of  which  can  be  gained  by  study  and  application, 
have  been,  as  it  were,  sealed  from  the  direct  investi- 
gation of  the  inquiring  mind.  In  other  branches  of 
the  mechanic  arts,  volumes  have  been  published, 
and  the  ambitious  student  pursues  his  investigations 
from  primary  principles  to  ultimate  results  in  regu- 
lar gradations. 

In  the  science  of  shoe  manufacture,  we  must  refer 
for  information  principally  to  English  works ;  and 
even  these  are  collateral,  rather  than  direct,  in  their 
application.  Dodd's  British  Manufactories,  Brande's 
Encyclopedia,  Dictionary  of  Arts  and  Sciences,  Pen- 
ny Cyclopedia,  Results  of  the  Late  Exhibition,  (Lon- 
don,) —  all  these  are  the  repositories  of  much  that 
has  been  written  upon  the  leather  interests  ;  sources 
of  information  which  none  but  the  man  of  leisure, 
or  the  enterprising  compiler,  would  be  likely  to  trace 
out. 

It  may  be  said  that  the  simplicity  of  this  branch 


BOOT  AND  SHOE  TRADE. 


11 


of  the  mechanic  arts  does  not  require  that  degree  of 
study  and  investigation  which  the  more  abtruse  and 
complicated  sciences  demand,  and  hence  there  is  no 
necessity  for  works  upon  the  subject.  This  objection 
is  only  true  in  part.  It  requires  the  nicest  adaptation 
of  skill  to  make  a  perfectly  fitting  shoe  or  boot,  and 
no  man,  unless  he  who  is  fully  conversant  with  the 
rules  and  principles  which  enter  into  the  preparation 
of  the  stock,  the  correct  measurement  of  the  foot, 
the  "  cutting  out  "  of  the  several  parts  of  the  stock, 
the  lasting  and  fitting  of  the  shoe  or  boot,  can  be 
successful  in  his  profession.  The  making  of  an  easy, 
elegantly  fitting  boot,  requires  a  knowledge  of  the 
anatomy  of  the  foot,  a  familiar  acquaintance  with  the 
angles,  lines  and  curves,  which  are  involved  in  the 
perfect  adjustment  of  part  to  part,  and  their  relative 
positions.  Most  shoe  manufacturers,  and  ordinary 
villag3  shoemakers,  learn  their  trades  from  their 
fathers,  and  the  knowledge  has  been  handed  down 
from  generation  to  generation,  without  change  or 
improvement,  and  shoes  are  made  to  fit  lasts,  rather 
than  the  feet  which  are  to  wear  them.  Hence  intelli- 
gent instinct  has  taken  the  place  of  intelligent  knowl- 
edge, and  progressive  investigation.  The  workman 
knows  nothing  of  the  anatomy  of  the  foot,  the  science 
of  pattern  cutting,  and  therefore  works  on  as  though 
all  feet  were  cast  in  one  mould,  with  the  simple  dif- 
ference which  the  "  sizes  "  indicate.  These  "  sizes," 
as  is  clearly  shown  in  another  portion  of  this  work, 
are  regularly  incorrect.  Hence,  in  the  absence  of  a 
correct  standard,  the  system  of  boot  and  shoe  making 


12 


IMPORTANCE  OF  THE 


is  simply  the  following  of  established  mechanical 
rules,  upon  a  false  foundation. 

We  refer  in  these  remarks  to  the  manufacture  of 
what  is  known  as  "  sale  work."  There  are  many, 
very  many,  "  custom  workers,"  who  proceed  by  cor- 
rect rules,  and  upon  scientific  principles  ;  men  who 
understand  how  to  adapt  the  shoe  or  boot  to  the  foot, 
so  that  when  the  customer  first  draws  the  boot  or 
shoe  on,  it  fits  naturally  and  easily,  adapting  itself 
to  any,  and  every  deformity  or  slight  irregularity 
which  the  foot  may  present.  We  make  general 
statements,  which  every  intelligent  shoemaker,  or 
large  manufacturer,  will  at  once  acknowledge.  The 
whole  trouble  arises  from  the  want  of  some  correct 
standard  by  which  to  be  guided  in  the  preparation 
of  the  stock  for  the  workman.  All  this  cannot  be 
gained  but  by  study,  patient  investigation,  and*  the 
practical  application  of  scientific  rules. 

The  French  are  generally  acknowledged  to  under- 
stand  the  art  of  boot  and  shoe  making  better  than 
those  of  any  other  nation,  and  they  have  carried  the 
science  to  a  degree  of  perfection  not  yet  attained  by 
ourselves,  except  in  a  few  comparatively  isolated 
cases.  The  whole  secret  of  their  success  is  their 
patient  perseverance,  and  artistic  skill  in  understand- 
ing the  rules  which  are  vitally  essential  to  success. 

In  another  chapter  we  have  devoted  consider- 
able space  to  the  elucidation  of  the  principles  of 
measurement,  pattern  cutting,  and  such  instructions 
as  will  enable  the  manufacturer  —  and  in  this  term 
we  comprise  all  who  are  engaged  in  this  important 


BOOT  AND  SHOE  TRADE. 


13 


branch  of  our  industrial  interests  —  to  become  a 
scientific  proficient  in  his  vocation. 

This  work,  however,  as  its  title  indicates,  is  de- 
voted more  specifically  to  the  application  of  Gutta- 
percha, and  the  various  Rubber  compounds,  in  the 
manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes.  Yet  we  regard  the 
principles  of  their  manufacture,  as  equally  important, 
and  as  vitally  essential,  to  the  perfect  fitting  of  the 
boot  or  shoe,  whether  sewed,  pegged,  or  cemented. 


CHAPTER  II. 


RISE  AND  PROGRESS  OF  THE  BOOT  AND  SHOE  TRADE. 

The  Boot  and  Shoe  Trade  of  New  England  is 
of  comparatively  modern  date.  The  first  vessel, 
the  sloop  Delight,  ever  freighted  at  Boston  with 
a  full  cargo  of  boots  and  shoes,  sailed  for  the  port 
of  New  York,  in  the  month  of  May,  1818,  con- 
signed to  Spofford  &  Tileston,  then  the  largest  boot 
and  shoe  jobbers  in  New  York.  This  firm  then  com- 
menced supplying  the  shipping  demand  from  that 
port,  instead  of  Boston.  The  manufacture,  then, 
was  confined  to  the  New  England  States,  but  it  soon 
commenced  to  take  a  wider  scope.  The  trade  in- 
creased rapidly,  but  eleven  years  later,  1829,  there 
were  only  four  jobbing  houses  in  New  York.  In 
Boston,  the  centre  of  the  trade,  the  whole  jobbing 
trade  for  1828  did  not  exceed  but  little  over  one 
million  of  dollars.  The  trade  has  increased  to  an 
almost  wonderful  extent.  It  now  forms  one-third 
of  the  whole  manufacturing  power  of  the  country  ; 
New  England  and  Pennsylvania  retaining  two-thirds. 
In  the  city  of  Boston  there  are  about  two  hundred 
and  eighteen  wholesale  and  jobbing  boot  and  shoe 

14 


THE  BOOT  AND   SHOE   TRADE.  15 

houses,  doing  business  to  the  amount  of  fifty- two 
millions  of  dollars  annually.  In  New  York  there 
are  about  fifty-five  jobbing  houses,  whose  aggregate 
sales  reach  from  fifteen  to  sixteen  millions  yearly. 
The  domestic  and  foreign  boot  and  shoe  trade  of 
the  State  of  Massachusetts  alone,  amounts  to  be- 
tween fifty-five  and  sixty  millions  annually.  The 
shipments  from  Boston  to  San  Francisco  for  1856, 
were  $2,100,000. 

The  manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes  is  the  largest 
domestic  trade  in  the  States,  and  there  is  no  country 
or  nation  that  can  successfully  compete  with  us, 
either  as  regards  prices  or  quality.  Common  styles 
of  goods,  such  as  men's  pegged  boots  and  brogans, 
women's  pegged  and  common  sewed  shoes  and  gait- 
ers, are  manufactured  in  the  following  villages  of 
New  England,  viz  :  Lynn,  Haverhill,  Worcester,  Mil- 
ford,  Natick,  Randolph,  Abington,  the  Readings,  Dan- 
vers,  Georgetown,  Stoughton,  Woburn,  and  several 
other  towns  in  Massachusetts.  The  amount  of  capi- 
tal employed  in  the  city  of  Worcester,  in  the  boot 
and  shoe  business,  is  one  hundred  and  seventy-six 
thousand  dollars ;  the  annual  value  of  boots  and 
shoes  manufactured,  about  one  million  of  dollars. 
The  total  value  of  boots  manufactured  in  Milford, 
Mass.,  in  1857,  was  upwards  of  two  millions  of 
dollars.  The  amount  would  have  greatly  exceeded 
that  estimate  had  not  the  financial  troubles  of  the 
country  prostrated  this,  in  common  with  every  other 
manufacturing  interest.  According  to  present  indica- 
tions, the  manufactories  of  Milford,  this  year,  1858, 
will  nearly,  or  quite,  reach  the  value  of  four  millions 


16 


RISE  AND  PROGRESS  OF 


of  dollars.  The  city  of  Lynn,  Mass.,  has  employed 
in  this  business,  about  five  thousand  workmen,  and 
its  sales  for  the  year  1857,  exceeded  four  millions  of 
dollars. 

Each  New  England  village,  town  or  city,  where 
this  industry  is  carried  on,  is  devoted  to  one  kind  of 
boot  or  shoe,  and  whole  communities  are  built  up  by 
this  special  industry.  Some  idea  of  the  importance 
and  extent  of  the  boot,  shoe  and  leather  interest  may 
be  inferred  from  the  fact,  that  there  are  forty-one 
thousand  men  in  Massachusetts  who  work  upon 
leather,  either  in  manufacturing  the  article  or  mould- 
ing it  into  various  forms.  Every  eighth  man  in  the 
State  is  a  shoemaker. 

The  Shoe  and  Leather  Trade  of  Boston  takes  its 
date,  as  a  prominent  branch  of  commerce,  about  the 
year  1830,  caused  principally  by  the  change  made  in 
conducting  the  business.  It  was  formerly  the  cus- 
tom for  Manufacturers  and  Dealers  in  Boots  and 
Shoes  to  seek  a  market  for  their  goods,  by  consign- 
ment on  their  own  account,  to  New  York,  Philadel- 
phia, Baltimore,  Charleston,  Savannah,  New  Orleans, 
Havana,  and  other  West  India  Islands.  It  was 
found  to  be  remunerative  for  a  while,  but  on  the 
increase  and  competition  of  trade,  it  became  a  losing 
business.  The  leading  houses  failed.  Since  1828 
and  1829,  an  entire  change  in  the  method  of  con- 
ducting the  shoe  business  has  taken  place.  Manu- 
facturers and  Dealers  now  sell  their  goods  on  their 
own  account  instead  of  consigning  them  to  other 
States.    The  consequence  is  that  Boston  is  made 


THE  BOOT  AND  SHOE  TRADE. 


17 


not  only  the  head-quarters  for  nearly  all  the  manu- 
factories of  New  England  ;  and  although  the  city  of 
Lynn  and  the  towns  of  Haverhill,  Danvers,  &c,  sell 
a  large  portion  of  their  goods  at  home,  a  large  num- 
ber of  the  manufactories  have  offices  in  Boston  for 
the  sale  of  their  goods.  If  the  domestic  trade  of 
Boston  had  been  conducted  on  the  home  principle, 
the  expansion  of  the  city  would  have  greatly  exceed- 
ed its  present  limits. 

The  great  industrial  and  trading  interest  is  a  cor- 
rect type  of  New  England  thrift  and  industry.  No 
branch  of  our  mechanical  pursuits  is  conducted  with 
so  much  safety,  energy  and  intelligent  perseverance, 
as  is  the  great  Boot  and  Shoe  interest.  When  con- 
vulsions come  which  rend  in  pieces  other  commercial 
or  internal  trading  interests,  the  boot,  shoe  and  leath- 
er trade,  is  the  last  to  succumb,  and  the  first  to  rein- 
state itself.  The  great  financial  crisis  of  1857,  thor- 
oughly tried  the  strength  of  this  branch  of  trade,  and 
nobly  did  it  sustain  itself,  even  extending  the  helping 
hand  to  such  as  required  assistance.  Especially  ap- 
plicable is  the  latter  remark  to  the  merchants  of 
Boston.  All  this  demonstrates  the  soundness  of 
their  basis — the  back-bone  which  enables  the  Shoe 
and  Leather  interest  to  hold  itself  up  under  a  pres- 
sure which  easily  crushes  all  departments  of  trade 
and  commerce  built  up  on  a  paper  foundation. 

The  peculiar  characteristics  of  the  boot  and  shoe 
trade,  its  democratic  elements,  its  freedom  from  all 
monopoly,  gives  it  a  strength  and  power  which  cor- 
porations can  never  wield.    Every  man  is  his  own 


18 


THE  BOOT  AND  SHOE  TRADE. 


director,  and  as  all  interested  are  subject  to,  and 
dependent  upon,  their  individual  shrewdness  and 
enterprise,  it  is  every  seldom  that  success  fails  to 
crown  their  efforts.  The  day  is  not  far  distant  when 
all  our  industrial  interests  will  be  conducted  upon  a 
like  basis,  and  corporations  cease  to  exist. 


CHAPTER  III. 


GUTTA-PERCHA  —  ITS  PROPERTIES.,  MANUFACTURE,  &C. 

The  almost  numberless  uses  to  which  this  re- 
markable gum  has  been,  and  is  applied,  has  awaken- 
ed an  interest  in  the  public  mind  concerning  its 
discovery,  and  its  uses,  and  especially  the  different 
applications,  and  their  methods. 

The  discovery  of  Gutta-Percha  is  comparatively 
recent.  The  first  that  was  known  of  this  wonderful 
production  by  Europeans,  was  in  the  year  1845. 
Dr.  Montgomerie,  an  English  gentleman,  residing  at 
Singapore,  observed  in  the  hands  of  a  Malay  wood- 
chopper,  a  strange  material  used  for  a  handle  to  his 
axe.  Curious  to  learn  its  nature,  he  questioned  the 
native,  and  ascertained  that  he  procured  it  from  a 
tree  in  the  form  of  sap  ;  that  upon  exposure  to  the 
air  it  became  solid ;  also,  that  in  immersing  it  in 
hot  water  it  became  soft  and  piastre,  and  could  be 
moulded  into  any  desired  form.  Dr.  Montgomerie 
at  once  obtained  samples  of  the  material,  which  he 
forwarded  to  the  London  Society  of  Arts  and  Sciences, 
with  a  description  regarding  it.  After  subjecting  it 
to  various  tests,  the  Society  were  unanimous  in  their 
opinion  concerning  its  great  value.  They  awarded 
to  Dr.  M.  a  gold  medal  for  the  valuable  knowledge 

10 


20 


GUTTA  PERCH  A, 


thus   communicated  to  the  manufactories  of  the 
world. 

It  is  observable,  however,  that  this  substance  may 
be  said  to  have  had  two  European  discoverers,  in- 
dependent of  each  other ;  for  the  tree,  and  the  gum 
which  exudes  from  it,  were  discovered  or  observed 
by  Mr.  Thomas  Lobb.  This  gentleman  visited  the 
islands  of  the  Indian  seas  in  1842-3,  on  a  botanical 
mission,  as  agent  to  Messrs.  Yeitch,  the  scientific  and 
energetic  florists  of  Exeter  ;  and  it  was  during  his 
rambles  that  he  became  acquainted  with  the  gutta- 
percha tree. 

In  proportion  as  the  value  of  this  substance  has 
become  known,  so  has  a  desire  extended  to  ascertain 
the  range  of  its  growth  in  the  East.  It  is  now  known 
that  the  gutta-percha  tree  abounds  in  that  extreme 
south-eastern  point  of  Asia,  which  obtains  the  name 
of  the  Malay  Peniasula ;  in  the  neighboring  island 
of  Singapore ;  i*  the  important  Bornean  inland, 
which  Rajah  Brooke  has  been  the  means  of  making  * 
so  familiarly  known  to  us ;  and  in  various  islands 
which  constitute  the  Eastern  Archipelago.  There 
seems  very  little  cause  to  apprehend  any  failure  in 
quantity ;  for  even  if  the  present  supply  from  the 
neighborhood  of  Singapore  should  be  exhausted,  the 
capabilities  of  more  distant  islands  are  quite  beyond 
present  calculation. 

It  appears  that  percha  (of  which  the  pronunciation 
is  pertsha,  not  perka  or  persha)  is  the  Malayan  name 
for  the  tree  which  produces  the  gum  ;  while  gutta  is 
a  general  name  for  any  gum  which  exudes  from  a 
tree.    The  tree  belongs,  of  course,  to  the  group  in 


ITS  PROPERTIES,  ETC.  21 

which  botanists  place  sapotaceous  or  gum-exuding 
genera.  The  wood  of  the  tree,  being  soft  and 
spongy,  is  applied  to  many  useful  purposes.  The 
fruit  yields  a  thick  oil,  which  is  used  by  the  natives 
with  their  food ;  and  either  from  this  or  some  other 
parts  of  the  tree  an  ardent  spirit  is  capable  of  being 
distilled.  But  it  is  the  sap  which  forms  the  most 
valuable  product  of  the  tree.  It  circulates  in  small 
vessels  which  run  up  between  the  bark  and  the  wood. 

Thrifty  methods  are  teachable  to  rude  islanders, 
as  to  more  civilised  men,  when  the  advantages  have 
been  once  made  apparent.  The  natives  around  Sing- 
apore, when  they  first  found  a  market  for  the  solidi- 
fied gum,  proceeded  ruthlessly  to  work ;  they  killed 
the  bird  which  laid  the  golden  eggs,  by  cutting  down 
the  trees  in  order  to  obtain  the  gum.  But  they  have 
now  been  taught  better ;  it  is  shown  to  them  how, 
by  tapping  or  cutting  notches  in  the  branches  at 
certain  intervals  of  time,  the  sap  may  be  made  to 
flow,  without  endangering  the  life  of  the  tree.  Ex- 
periments are  now  being  made  to  determine  whether 
the  gutta-percha  tree  can  be  planted  so  as  to  main- 
tain a  continuous  and  inexhaustible  store  of  gum  or 
sap ;  should  these  attempts  succeed,  the  supply 
would  equal  any  imaginable  demand. 

The  gutta-percha  is  sold  at  Singapore  by  weight, 
according  to  the  apparent  quality  of  each  lump  ; 
but,  when  the  consignment  reaches  England,  it  is 
not  unfrequently  found  that  a  large  stone  or  a  piece 
of  heavy  wood  is  imbedded  in  the  heart  of  it,  to  in- 
crease the  weight.  It  would  entail  a  serious  loss  of 
time  to  cut  open  each  lump  at  the  time  of  purchase  ; 


22 


GUTTA-PERCHA, 


so  that  at  present  Oriental  honesty  is  rather  an  im- 
portant element  in  the  commercial  value  of  this 
article.  There  is,  too,  a  great  amount  of  difference 
in  the  quantity  of  bark,  leaves,  and  dirt,  which  be- 
come accidentally  mixed  up  with  the  gum. 

The  crude  gum  is  imported  to  the  extent  of  about 
two  millions  of  pounds  annually. 

GUTTA-PERCHA  IN  *TJ1E  FACTORY. 

The  extensive  and  highly  interesting  establishment 
of  the  Gutta-Percha  Company,  situated  near  the 
City  Road  Basin  of  the  Regent's  Canal,  is  worthy  of 
attention  even  beyond  the  general  average  of  such 
centres  of  industry,  for  the  peculiar  character  of  the 
substance  operated  upon  necessitates  the  employment 
of  new  processes,  new  machines,  and  new  tools.  An 
incessant  course  of  invention  has  marked  the  manu- 
facturing history  of  this  material  during  the  brief 
period  of  its  existence.  If  the  gutta-percha  is  to  be 
applied  to  some  new  useful  purpose,  tools  and  pro- 
cesses of  novel  character  have  to  be  employed ;  if 
an  ftnameiital  application  is  determined  on,  methods 
are  adopted  for  developing  any  natural  beauty  which 
the  grain  of  the  substance  may  present ;  if  an  at- 
tempt be  made  to  supercede  leather,  or  wood,  or 
papier-macho,  or  metal,  by  this  singular  gum,  great 
pains  are  bestowed  on  a  study  of  the  special  qualities 
to  be  imitated,  and  the  process  of  imitation  often  re- 
quires operations  and  tools  differing  considerably 
from  those  before  employed. 

The  first  process  consists  in  cutting  the  block  into 
slices.     There  is  a  vertical  wheel,  on  the  face  of 


ITS  PROPERTIES,  ETC. 


23 


which  are  fixed  three  knives  or  blades ;  and  while 
this  wheel  is  rotating  with  a  speed  of  two  hundred 
turns  a  minute,  a  block  of  gutta-percha  is  supplied 
to  it,  and  speedily  cut  into  thin  slices  —  much  on 
the  same  principle  as  a  turnip-cutter  performs  its 
work.  Woe  to  the  steel  edges  if  a  stone  be  imbed- 
ded in  the  block. 

These  slices  show  that  the  gutta-percha  is  by  no 
means  uniform  in  different  parts,  either  in  color  or 
texture.  To  bring  about  a  uniformity  is  the  object 
of  the'  shredding  or  tearing  process.  The  slices  are 
thrown  into  a  tank  of  water,  which  is  heated  by 
steam  to  such  a  temperature  a§  to  soften  the  mass  ; 
dirt  and  heavy  impurities  fall  to  the  bottom,  leaving 
a  pasty  mass  of  gum ;  and  the  mass  being  thrown 
into  another  rotating  machine,  is  there  so  torn  and 
rent,  and  dragged  asunder  by  jagged  teeth,  as  to  be 
reduced  to  fragments.  The  fragments  fall  into 
water,  upon  the  surface  of  which  (owing  to  the 
small  specific  gravity  of  the  material)  they  float, 
while  any  remaining  dirt  or  impurity  falls  to  the 
bottom.  These  fragments  are  next  converted  into 
a  dough-like  substance  by  another  softening  with  hot 
water,  and  the  dough  undergoes  a  thorough  knead- 
ing ;  it  is  placed  in  hollow  heated  iron  cylinders, 
in  which  revolving  drums  so  completely  turn  and 
squeeze  and  mix  the  now  purified  mass,  that  all 
parts  become  alike,  and  every  particle  presents  a 
family  likeness  to  its  neighbor. 

The  kneaded  state  may  be  considered  the  dividing 
line  between  the  preparatory  processes  and  those 
which  relate  to  the  fashioning  of  the  material.  The 


24 


GUTTA-PERCHA, 


soft  ductile  mass  may  be  formed  either  into  sheets 
or  tubes.  In  forming  sheets  the  mass  is  passed  be- 
tween steel  rollers,  placed  at  a  distance  apart  cor- 
responding with  the  thickness  of  the  sheet  to  be 
made — whether  for  the  heels  of  a  rough-booted 
pedestrian,  or  for  the  delicate  "  gutta-percha  tissue," 
now  so  much  employed  by  surgeons.  By  the  time 
that  the  substance  has  passed  through  the  rollers  it 
has  cooled  sufficiently  to  assume  a  solid,  firm  con- 
sistency. By  the  adjustment  of  a  few  knife  edges, 
the  sheet  may  be  cut  into  bands,  or  strips  of  any 
width,  before  leaving  the  machine.  In  making  tubes 
and  pipes,  the  soft*  mass  of  kneaded  gutta-percha  is 
passed  through  heated  iron  cylinders,  where  a  sin- 
gular modification  of  the  wire-drawing  process  re- 
duces it  to  the  desired  form  and  dimensions. 

From  the  sheets  and  tubes  thus  made,  mimberless 
articles  are  produced  by  cutting  and  pressing.  Ma- 
chines, somewhat  like  those  used  in  cutting  paper, 
are  employed  to  cut  the  gutta-percha  into  pieces. 
If  for  shoe-soles,  a  cutting  press  produces  a  dozen  or 
so  at  one  movement ;  if  for  string,  or  thread,  narrow 
parallel  slips  are  cut,  which  are  then  rounded  or 
finished  by  hand ;  if  for  producing  stamped  decora- 
tive articles,  the  sheets  are  cut  into  pieces,  and  each 
piece  is  warmed  and  softened  to  enable  it  to  take 
xhe  impress  of  a  mould,  or  die.  But  the  mode  of 
casing  copper  wire  for  electro-telegraphic  purposes 
is,  perhaps,  one  of  the  most  singular  applications  of 
the  material  in  the  form  of  a  sheet.  Several  wires 
are  laid  parallel,  a  strip  of  guttapercha  is  placed  be- 
tween them,  another  strip  is  placed  a%f£  them,  and 


ITS  PROPERTIES,  ETC. 


25 


the  whole  are  passed  between  two  polished  grooved 
rollers  ;  the  pressure  binds  the  two  surfaces  of  the 
gutta-percha  firmly  together  and  to  the  wires,  while 
the  edges  between  the  grooves  indent  the  gutta- 
percha so  deeply,  that  it  may  easily  be  separated 
longitudinally,  each  slip  containing  its  own  core  of 
copper. 

GUTTA-PERCHA  BOATS. 

When  Lady  Franklin  fitted  out  an  expedition  in 
search  of  her  gallant  husband,  a  year  or  two  ago, 
Captain  Forsyth,  the  commander  of  the  vessel,  took 
out  with  him  a  gutta-percha  boat,  presented  for  that 
purpose  by  Messrs.  Seaiie.  His  account  of  the  be- 
havior of  this  boat,  under  the  rough  usage  to  which 
it  was  subjected  in  the  ice-bound  regions  of  the  north, 
is  most  laudatory.  He  states  that "  whilst  the  other 
boats  constructed  of  wood  suffered  much  by  the  cut- 
ting of  the  young  ice,  the  gutta-percha  boat  was  not 
in  the  least  damaged,  and  returned  to  England  in 
almost  as  good  condition  as  when  she  left,  although 
she  underwent  all  the  rough  work  of  the  voyage." 
Mr.  Snow,  who  had  especial  charge  of  the  gutta- 
percha boat  belonging  to  the  6  Prince  Albert,'  has* 
detailed  in  a  $lear  manner  the  remarkable  way  in 
which  this  material  resists  the  rude  buffetings  of  those 
regions.  It  must  be  remembered  that  the  boat  had 
a  skeleton  of  wood  and  a  covering  of  India  rubber. 
Mr.  Snow  says,  "  The  severest  trial  it  endured,  and 
endured  successfully,  was  on  both  my  visits  to  Whal- 
er Point,  Port  Leopold.  To  those  unaccustomed  to 
the  nature  of  such  ice  as  was  there  met  with,  it  will 
2 


GUTTA-PERCHA, 


be  impossible  fully  to  conceive  the  position  a  boat 
was  placed  in.  The  mere  transit  to  and  fro,  among 
loose  masses  of  ice,  with  the  sea  in  a  state  of  qui- 
escence, would  have  been  quite  enough  to  have  prov- 
ed or  not  the  value  of  gutta-percha  boats  ;  but  when, 
as  in  the  present  case,  those  masses  were  all  in  rest- 
less agitation,  with  a  sea  rolling  in  upon  an  opposing 
current,  it  might  have  been  well  excused  —  and  with- 
out deteriorating  from  the  previously  attested  good- 
ness of  the  article  —  if  it  had  not  been  able  to 

have  resisted  the  severe  shocks  it  received  

Sliding  through  and  over  the  ice  ;  sometimes  lift- 
ed completely  out  of  the  water  by  the  sudden 
contact  of  a  resistless  floe ;  and  at  others  thrown 
side-ways  upon  an  adjoining  craggy  piece  ;  I  think 
it  would  have  been  next  to  impossible  for  any  other 
kind  of  boat  to  have  been  otherwise  than  crushed  or 
«6tove  on  the  instant.''  It  was  in  a  right  spirit  that 
the  explorers  gave  the  name  of  "  Guttapercha  Inlet" 
to  the  spot  where  the  boat  had  rendered  them  such 
important  service. 

GUTTA-PERCHA  MISCELLANEOUS  APPLICATIONS. 

A  rare  catalogue  we  should  present,  if  all  the  use- 
ful applications  of  gutta-percha  wer#  duly  set  forth. 
We  should  have  to  speak  of  breast-coating  for  water- 
wheels,  of  galvanic  batteries,  of  shuttle-beds  for 
looms,  of  packing  for  steam-engines  and  pumps, 
of  cricket  and  bouncing  balls,  of  felt-edging  for 
paper  making,  of  curtain  rings  whose  merit  is  noise- 
lessness,  of  window-blind  cord  and  sash  lines,  of 
clothes'  lines  (recommended  to  the  laundress  as  de- 


ITS  PROPERTIES,  ETC. 


27 


fying  all  attacks  of  weather,)  of  bosses  for  flax-spin- 
ning frames,  of  whips  and  sticks,  of  policemen's  and 
'  special  constables"  staves,  of  flax-holders  for  heck- 
ling machines,  of  skates,  of  fencing  sticks,  of  washers 
for  the  axles  of  wheels,  of  plugs  or  solid  masses 
used  in  buildings,  of  buffers  for  railway  carriages, 
of  gunpowder  canisters  (which  'keep  the  powder 
dry,')  of  sheet-covering  for  damp  wails,  of  linings 
for  ladies'  bonnets,  of  jar  covers,  of  sponge  bags,  of 
foot  baths,  of  funnels,  of  goldsmith's  bowls,  of  bob- 
bins for  spinning  machines,  of  covers  for  rollers,  of 
book  covers,  of  moulds  for  electrotypes,  of  coffin 
linings,  of  sounding  boards,  of  portmanteaus,  of 
beds  for  paper-cutting  machines,  of  fine  and  coarse 
thread,  of  envelope  boxes,  of  powder  flasks,  of  port- 
folios, of  a  stopping  for  hollow  teeth  —  a  tolerable 
list,  this,  which  shows  how  multiplied  are  the  appli- 
cations for  which  this  singular  vegetable  product  is 
available. 

GUTTA-PERCHA  —  ORNAMENTAL  WORK. 

When  softened  by  heat,  this  substance  will  take 
the  impress  of  a  mould  or  stamp  with  delicate  pre- 
cision ;  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  minutes  it  re- 
assumes  its  tough  state,  retaining  permanently  the 
pattern  given  to  it.  The  power  of  application  is 
thus  unlimited,  or  limited  only  by  the  inclination  of 
the  purchaser.  Whether  the  mould  be  of  copper  or 
of  brass,  of  pear  tree  or  of  box,  an  impress  can  equal- 
ly well  be  obtained  from  it.  In  practice,  all  these 
four  materials  are  employed,  and  sometimes  others, 
The  mould  being  carved  and  in  a  state  of  readiness, 


28 


GUTTA-PERCHA, 


tho  piece  of  gutta-percha  (always,  or  nearly  always, 

in  the  form  of  sheet)  is  laid  upon  a  marble  slab, 
which  is  heated  by  steam  from  beneath  ;  and  the  gum 
being  thus  brought  into  a  pliant  and  yielding  state, 
it  is  placed  on  or  in  the  mould,  a  counter  mould  is 
laid  upon  it,  and  the  action  of  a  press  forces  the  ma- 
terial into  the  minutest  parts  of  the  device.  If  tha^ 
pattern  be  deep  and  the  relief  bold,  a  hydraulic  pres- 
sure of  a  hundred  or  a  hundred  and  fifty  tons  is 
brought  to  bear  upon  it;  but  if  of  lighter  and 
simpler  character,  a  hand-press  is  brought  into  re- 
quisition, i 
In  this  way,  aided  by  minor  manipulation,  are 
produced  the  varied  and  ever-increasing  specimens 
of  ornamental  gutta-percha  work.  Trays  arc  pro- 
duced of  every  imaginable  (or  at  least  of  every 
usable)  form  and  pattern  :  bread  trays,  biscuit  trays, 
cotton  or  work-table  trays,  counter  or  card-table  trays, 
pen  trays,  pin  trays,  card  tray's,  soap  trays,  shaving 
trays,  &c.  Then  there  are  work-baskets  and  hand 
baskets,  flower  vases  and  bouquet  holders,  plates  and 
platters,  decanter  stands  and  watch  stands,  bas-reliefs 
and  alto-reliefs.  The  desk  fittings  admit  of  much 
beauty  in  this  material ;  inkstands  are  produced  in 
most  diverse  forms  ;  while  pen  trays,  paper  weights, 
wafer  boxes,  envelope  boxes,  &c,  are  beginning  to 
establish  a  formidable  rivalry  to  the  similar  articles 
made  in  papier-mache.  Beauty,  pattern,  graining, 
clouding,  or  whatever  we  may  choose  to  term  it,  is 
produced  in  a  very  remarkable  way  on  the  surface 
of  gutta-percha.  Some  specimens  of  gutta-percha 
are  darker  than  others,  and  all  have  a  tendency  to 


ITS  PROPERTIES,  ETC. 


29 


darken  by  age  ;  and  the  workman  dexterously  avails 
himself  of  these  vary  in  g  tints  to  produce  a  pattern. 
Be  softens  two  or  more  pieces,  of  different  tints, 
passes  them  between  two  rollers  to  thoroughly  unite 
and  amalgamate  them,  and  then  presses  them  into 
the  mould ;  leaving  it  to  the  freaks  of  chance  to 
bring  out  the  wavy  lines,  the  curls,  the  streaks,  the 
knots,  which  the  intermixture  of  tints  produces. 
This  diversity  is  not  very  apparent  at  first ;  but  it 
becomes  developed  when  the  substance  is  polished, 
and  considerably  enhances  the  beauty  of  the  article 
produced. 

GUTTA-PERCHA  PIPES  AND  TUBES. 

Water-pipes  have  had  a  few  vicissitudes  in  their 
history.  Those  who  remember  the  arrangements  for 
the  water-supply  of  London,  in  past  days,  will  have 
been  familiar,  with  the  wooden  pipes,  formed  of  bored 
trunks  of  trees,  which  were  wont  to  be  laid  down 
beneath  the  paving  of  the  streets.  These  gave  way 
to  iron.  The  smaller  pipes  have  chiefly  been  made  of 
lead  ;  but  zinc  in  one  quarter,  brown  ware  in  another, 
glass  in  another,  have  invaded  the  domain  of  lead. 
A  new  competitor  now  enters  the  field.  Gutta-per- 
cha claims  to  be  not  merely  an  efficient  material  for 
water-pipes,  but  to  possess  certain  sanitary  qualities 
very  important  in  this  sanitary  age  of  ours.  It  is 
very  strong  and  tough  (say  the  patentees)  ;  it  pos- 
sesses much  durability  underground  ;  it  stoutly  resists 
frost ;  and  it  leaves  the  water  as  pure  as  it  finds  it. 
Hence  it  is  applied  to  pump  barrels,  to  ships'  pumps, 
to  locomotive  feed-pipes,  to  syphons  and  mine-pipes, 


30 


GUTTA-PERCHA, 


and  to  fire-engine  pipes.    But  if  the  testimony  of 

medical  men  is  to  be  deemed  authoritative,  the  sub- 
stitution of  gutta-percha  for  lead  as  a  material  for 
water-pipes  is  a  matter  of  yet  higher  import.  Dr. 
Thomas  Smith,  of  Cheltenham,  states  that  "  Many 
serious  and  alarming  disorders,  such  as  mania,  epi- 
lepsy, sudden  death,  nervous  affection,  paralysis,  con-^ 
sumption,  hydrocephalus,  heart  disease,  owe  their 
origin  in  some  instances,  their  intractable  character 
in  others,  to  the  gradual  and  continuous  infinitesimal 
doses  of  lead,  copper,  &c,  introduced  into  the  system 
through  the  channel  of  our  daily  drink."  It  appears 
that  the  carbonic  acid  contained  in  water  has  a  ten- 
dency to  combine  with  the  lead  of  the  pipe  which  con- 
tains it,  and  to  generate  a  compound  possessing  poi- 
sonous qualities.  That  gutta-percha  resists  such  action, 
all  authorities  agree ;  and  although  at  first  the  gum 
imparts  a  slight  taste  to  the  water,  this  effect  seems 
speedily  to  disappear. 

There  are  many  other  circumstances  which  render 
tubes  of  this  material  very  advantageous  for  the  con- 
veyance of  water.  It  bears  an  amount  of  friction  and 
hard  usage  which  is  frequently  surprising.  At  New 
York  there  is  a  gutta-percha  pipe  a  thousand  feet  in 
length,  which  conveys  the  water  of  the  great  Croton 
Aqueduct  to  BlackwelPs  Island ;  the  pipe  lies  along 
the  bed  of  the  intervening  river,  and  is  kept  down  by 
upwards  of  a  hundred  small  anchors,  and  yet  it  resists 
both  the  friction  of  the  bed  and  the  weight  of  the 
anchors.  With  an  immense  pressure  of  water,  gutta- 
percha pipes  have  been  found  to  remain  unharmed, 
where  leather  hose  would  be  disrupted.    It  resists 


ITS  PROPERTIES,  ETC. 


31 


the  action  of  marine  insects,  which  would  soon  make 
ravages  on  stout  timber.  If  water  be  contained  in 
a  gutta-percha  pipe,  it  remains  liquid  at  a  tempera- 
ture which  would  produce  ice  in  almost  any  other 
pipes.  For  watering  gardens  and  roads,  for  sprink- 
ling malt  in  a  kiln,  for  applying  water  from  a  fire 
engine,  these  pipes  appear  to  be  singularly  well  fitted, 
since,  with  a  great  power  of  resisting  pressure,  they 
may  be  bent,  or  twisted,  or  lengthened,  or  shortened, 
in  any  required  degree.  Nor  is  this  material,  per  se, 
the  only  efficient  part  of  such  pipes ;  for  a  gutta-per- 
cha pipe  may  be  firmly  united  to  a  metal  pipe  in  five 
minutes,  with  no  other  cement  than  warm  water ;  the 
end  of  the  pipe  being  softened  in  warm  water,  and 
drawn  over  the  end  of  the  metal,  the  gum  contracts 
on  cooling  so  as  to  grasp  the  metal  tightly,  and  thus 
form  an  impenetrable  joint. 

But  if  water  be  conveyed  thus  effectively  through 
tubes  of  gutta-percha,  the  qualities  of  the  material  are 
still  more  remarkably  displayed  in  the  conveyance  of 
chemical  liquids.  Few  persons  are  so  ignorant  of 
chemistry  as  not  to  be  aware  that  the  stronger  acids 
and  alkalies  play  sad  havoc  with  the  vessels  and  tubes 
which  contain  them.  On  the  other  hand,  there  is  an 
obstinacy  of  constitution  about  this  singular  substance 
which  enables  you  to  battle  a  whole  host  of  formida- 
ble opponents.  It  does  yield,  certainly,  to  concen- 
trated sulphuric  and  nitric  acids ;  but  if  these  acids 
in  a  weaker  state  be  the  liquids  in  question,  or  if 
muriatic,  acetic,  or  hydrofluoric  acids,  or  chlorine 
(all  of  which  have  a  very  destructive  action),  then 
the  gutta-percha  stoutly  resists  them,  and  renders 


32 


GUTTA-PERCHA, 


good  service.  Carboys,  pipes,  dye-vats,  flasks,  fun- 
nels, bowls,  ladles,  syphons,  troughs,  measures,  buck- 
ets —  all  are  now  made  of  this  material,  for  use  in 
chemical  works,  print  works,  dye  and  bleach  works, 
and  other  establishments  where  strong  chemical  liquids 
are  employed. 

CEMENT  EXPERIMENTS. 

The  chemistry  of  cement  is  a  curious  one  ;  for  the 
stony  particles  adhere  with  a  force  which  is  in  some 
instances  almost  equal  to  the  power  of  stone  itself. 
The  so-called  Roman  cement  has  long  been  famous 
for  its  cohesive  property ;  but  the  Portland  cement 
recently  introduced  far  excels  it.  In  an  experiment 
lately  conducted,  two  solid  blocks  were  prepared,  one 
of  Roman  and  the  other  of  Portland  cement ;  and 
they  were  placed  in  such  positions  that  weights  might 
be  suspended  from  them.  The  Roman  cement  yielded 
to  a  disruptive  force  of  eleven  hundred  pounds,  but 
the  Portland  cement  stoutly  maintained  its  integrity 
till  rent  asunder  by  a  weight  of  nineteen  hundred. 
But  this  cement  has  still  more  strikingly  shown  its 
strength  when  used  as  a  mortar  in  brickwork.  On  a 
recent  occasion  in  Hyde  Park,  a  brick  beam  was  built 
up  with  Portland  cement  as  a  mortar.  The  bricks 
were  hollow,  and  were  so  ranged  as  to  form  a  beam 
about  four  feet  in  height  by  two  in  width.  This  beam 
was  rested  at  the  two  ends  on  supports  more  than 
twenty  feet  asunder,  and  weights  were  suspended 
from  the  centre  ;  and  not  till  the  astonishing  weight 
of  nearly  seventy  thousand  pounds  was  thus  applied 
did  the  beam  yield  and  break.    It  was  not  the  actual 


ITS  PROPERTIES,  ETC. 


33 


binding  power  of  the  cement  alone  that  resisted  this 
enormous  force,  for  thin  slips  of  iron  were  introduced 
at  different  parts  ;  but  the  experiment  was  intended 
to  show  how  much  strength  might  be  obtained  by- 
hollow  bricks  ahd  Portland  cement,  aided  by  a  little 
iron. 

STEREOTYPING  FROM  GUTTA-PERCHA. 

Mr.  Muir,  of  Glasgow,  has  invented  a  mode  of  ster- 
eotyping, managed  in  the  following  way.  A  page  of 
common  type  is  first  set  up,  and  well  fixed  :  a  warm 
cake  of  gutta-percha  is  applied  to  it,  screwed  down 
tightly,  and  allowed  so  to  remain  a  quarter  of  an 
hour  ;  when  this  gutta-percha  mould  is  removed,  it  is 
brushed  over  with  fine  black-lead,  and  an  electro- 
copper  cast  taken  from  it ;  the  printing  is  then  effected 
from  this  cast.  It  is  found  that  gutta-percha  consti- 
tutes a  very  convenient  and  efficient  substance  for  the 
mould,  owing  to  the  readiness  with  which  it  can  be 
softened,  and  its  toughness  when  cold ;  while  the 
electro-copper  cast  is  said  to  bear  the  action  of  the 
printing  press  throughout  a  much  greater  number  of 
copies  than  an  ordinary  stereotype  plate. 

The  same  inventor  also  practices  a  plan  in  which 
the  gutta-percha  performs  not  only  its  own  work  but 
that  of  the  electro-copper  also.  A  mould  is  taken 
from  an  engraved  wood-block,  in  gutta-percha ;  and 
this  mould,  when  brushed  over  with  black-lead,  is 
made  to  yield  a  cast  also  in  gutta-percha,  in  an  exactly 
similar  way  ;  and  from  this  cast  the  impressions  are 
printed.  It  seems  difficult  to  conceive  that,  alter  this 
double  process,  all  the  delicate  lines  of  a  wood  engrav- 
2* 


34 


GUTTA-PERCHA, 


ing  should  be  preserved  on  the  surface  of  such  a  mate- 
rial as  gutta-percha  ;  and  yet,  without  this  preserva- 
tion, the  method  would  be  practically  valueless. 

ACOUSTIC  USES  OF  GUTTA-PERCHA. 

The  conveyance  of  sound  is,  perhaps,  the  most 
extraordinary  service  which  gutta-percha  tubes  have 
yet  rendered. 

There  are  two  qualities  required  in  a  speaking  tube  ; 
first,  that  it  shall  concentrate  a  large  amount  of  sound 
into  a  small  space ;  and  secondly,  that  it  shall  not 
stifle  the  acoustic  vibrations  within  the  tube  itself. 
Any  material  will  answer  equally  well,  so  far  as  the 
first-named  quality  is  concerned,  for  it  requires  simply 
a  trumpet-shaped  mouth  at  one  end,  and  a  very  small 
orifice  at  the  other ;  but  gutta-percha  possesses  rare 
qualities  in  respect  to  the  second  kind  of  service. 
Whether  it  is  the  smoothness  of  the  texture,  or  the 
peculiar  kind  and  degree  of  elasticity,  or  the  relation 
of  the  substance  to  heat  or  electricity  —  whatever 
may  be  the  cause,  a  tube  of  gutta-percha  preserves 
sonorous  vibrations  with  a  surprising  degree  of  clear- 
ness and  equability  ;  and  the  modes  in  which  this 
quality  are  brought  into  useful  requisition  are  also 
very  numerous. 

There  is,  for  example,  the  long  ear-trumpet ,  with 
a  wide  orifice  at  one  end  and  a  small  one  at  the  other ; 
and  there  is  the  portable  ear-trumpet ,  differing  from 
the  former  only  in  bringing  the  speaker  and  the  hearer 
closer  together,  by  a  4  French-horn  '  system  of  twist- 
ing in  the  tube.  There  is  the  ear-cornet,  so  small 
and  neat  that  one  may  be  almost  invisibly  attached  to 


ITS  PROPERTIES,  ETC. 


35 


or  near  each  ear.  There  is  the  paraboloid  trumpet, 
in  which  the  sound  is  echoed  from  a  large  concavo 
receiver  before  it  enters  the  tnbe.  There  is  the 
trumpet  with  a  long  flexible  tube,  or  with  several 
tubes,  so  that  several  persons  round  a  table  can  com- 
municate in  turn  with  the  user.  In  short,  there  have 
been  almost  as  many  useful  variations  of  the  principle 
as  there  are  variations  in  the  social  inconveniences  of 
those  who  require  such  aid. 

I  A  different  group  altogether  is  formed  by  those 
contrivances  which  are  intended -to  aid  —  not  par- 
tially deaf  persons  —  but  those  whom  noise  or  dis- 
tance would  otherwise  disenable  from  conversing 
together.  Drivers  of  omnibusses  now  sometimes  com- 
municate with  the  conductors,  and  captains  of  steam- 
boats with  the  engine-men,  by  gutta-percha  tubes. 
But  these  are  trifling  services  compared  with  such  as 
the  tubes  render  at  greater  distances.  The  Domestic 
Telegraph,  as  it  has  been  called,  is  simply  a  gutta- 
percha tube  conducted  from  one  apartment  to  another : 
it  is  employed  as  a  medium  of  transmitting  messages, 
and  saves  many  a  weary  footstep  to  those  who  are  at 
the  beck  and  call  of  others.  The  Medical  Man's 
Midnight  Friend  (a  lack-a-daisical  sort  of  a  title)  is 
a  gutta-percha  tube  extending  from  the  4  doctor's ' 
street-door  to  the  doctor's  bed,  by  which  a  message 
can  be  transmitted  to  the  awakened  practitioner, 
instead  of  merely  the  sound  of  his  bell.  In  factories 
and  large  establishments  such  speaking  tubes  are 
advancing  extensively  in  favor ;  for  the  communica- 
tion between  distant  buildings  is  most  complete.  In 
printing  offices,  spinning  and  weaving  mills,  in  un:on 


36 


GUTTA-PERCHA, 


poor-houses,  in  hospitals  and  infirmaries,  and  in 
various  other  establishments  of  magnitude,  the  advan- 
tages are  so  self-evident  that  the  use  is  becoming  very 
general. 

The  church  acoustic  apparatus  is  in  many  respects 
the  most  interesting  and  remarkable  of  these  highly 
curious  applications.  Let  us  conceive,  for  clearness 
of  illustration,  that  in  a  remote  pew  of  a  church  is  a 
person  who,  though  not  deaf,  yet  fails  in  ability  to 
hear  what  is  said  in  the  pulpit  or  reading-desk.  A 
gutta-percha  tube  is  laid  down  either  on  or  beneath 
the  floor  from  the  pulpit  to  the  pew  —  the  material 
bends  so  easily  that  it  may  be  carried  in  any  form  — 
and  a  small  ivory  or  hard  wood  ear-piece  is  attached 
to  one  end,  while  the  other  end  expands  in  trumpet- 
form.  Now  the  remarkable  circumstance  is,  that  the 
required  effect  is  brought  about  without  necessitating 
the  approach  of  the  speaker's  mouth  to  the  tube  ;  his 
head  may  be  two  or  three  feet  above,  or  below,  or 
behind,  or  at  the  side  of  the  trumpet-mouth  ;  and  yet 
the  sound  will  reach  the  remote  end  of  the  tube  in 
audible  quantity.  The  truth  is,  that  if  the  tube 
receives  a  mouth-full  of  sound  (which  it  can  in  any 
direction  round  and  near  the  speaker),  that  quantity 
is  so  economised,  and  so  faithfully  conveyed  to  the 
other  end,  that  it  becomes  condensed  to  an  audi- 
ble pitch ;  if  the  trumpet-mouth  be  large,  and  the  ear- 
piece very  small,  we  may  liken  the  action  to  the 
condensation  of  many  threads  of  sound  into  one  ;  and 
the  ear  of  the  auditor  becomes  sensible  to  this  con- 
densed power.  In  practice,  the  trumpet-moutth  is 
usually  fixed  to  the  front  of  the  pulpit,  mouth  upper- 


ITS  PKOPERTIES,  ETC. 


37 


most,  and  is  stamped  or  moulded  in  an  ornamental 
form  consistent  with  the  decorations  of  the  pulpit. 
Beyond  all  this,  the  sound  may  be  laid  on,  like  gas, 
to  any  pew  or  any  quarter  of  the  church  ;  for  there 
may  be  a  tube  (which  we  will  call  the  main-pipe)  laid 
along  the  centre  aisle,  and  lateral  tubes  may  spring 
from  this  to  any  required  spot.  Some  clergymen 
have  what  they  call  a  deaf  pew ;  that  is,  a  pew  in 
which  those  are  congregated  who  may  be  collectively 
benefitted  by  this  admirable  apparatus.  This  con- 
trivance has  been  used  at  some  of  the  great  meetings 
(four  thousand  strong)  at  Exeter  Hall,  by  those  to 
whom  the  speeches  would  otherwise  have  been  little 
else  than  dumb  show. 

Gutta-percha  has  been  discovered  in  the  British 
province  of  Mergui,  and  though  not  precisely  identi- 
cal with  the  gutta-percha  of  commerce,  it  possesses 
all  the  valuable  properties  of  that  substance,  includ- 
ing plasticity  in  hot  water,  and  the  power  of  insulat- 
ing electric  currents. 

The  tree  from  which  the  true  gutta  taban  is  pro- 
duced (erroneously  misnamed  gutta-percha,  a  gum 
yielded  by  a  different  tree,)  is  one  of  the  mosi;  com- 
mon in  the  jungles  of  Johore  and  the  Malay  Pen- 
insula. It  is  not  found  in  the  alluvial  districts, 
but  in  undulating  or  hilly  ground.  There  is  a  great 
uniformity  in  the  size  of  the  full  grown  tabans,  which 
rise  with  perfectly  straight  trunks  from  sixty  to 
eighty  feet  in  height,  and  from  two  to  three  feet 
in  diameter,  the  branches  being  few  and  small.  The 
natives,  after  felling  the  tree,  make  an  incision  round 
it}  from  which  the  milk  flows.    This  is  repeated  at 


38 


GUTTA-PERCHA, 


distances  of  six  to  eighteen  inches  along  the  whole 
trunk.  It  appears  that  the  taban,  or  milky  juice, 
will  not  flow  freely  like  India  rubber,  but  rapidly 
concretes.  Its  appearance  in  this  state,  before  being 
boiled,  is  very  different  from  that  of  the  article  as 
imported  and  shipped.  It  has  a  dry,  ragged  look, 
resembling  shreds  of  bark,  and  instead  of  being 
dense  and  tough,  is  light,  and  possesses  so  little  co- 
hesion that  it  is  easily  torn  to  pieces. 

Various  statements  are  made  as  to  the  produce  of 
each  tree,  which  is  somewhat  surprising,  consider- 
ing the  uniform  size  of  the  trees.  It  takes  twenty 
trees  to  produce  one  picul  of  133  lbs.,  and  as  the 
exports  of  guttta-percha,  from  the  commencement 
of  the  trade  up  to  the  close  of  3  853,  amounted  to 
3,107  tons,  it  follows  that  upwards  of  one  million 
&  trees  must  have  been  destroyed  to  obtain  that  quan- 
tity in  nine  years.  The  natives,  however,  do  not 
appear  to  be  under  any  apprehension  that  the  trees 
will  be  extirpated,  and  smile  at  the  probability  when 
suggested  ;  for  it  is  only  trees  arrived  at  their  full 
growth,  or  at  least  at  a  very  considerable  age,  that 
repay  the  labor  of  felling  them  and  extracting  the 
gutta ;  and  those  of  all  inferior  ages  which  are  there- 
fore left  untouched,  will,  it  is  supposed,  keep  up  the 
race. 

The  collection  of  the  gutta  has  widely  extended, 
embracing  now  the  Johore  Archipelago,  Sumatra, 
Borneo  and  Java.  Unfortunately,  the  quality  has 
deteriorated  by  the  admixture  of  other  inferior  gums, 
the  products  of  different  trees,  which  are  often  used 
to  adulterate  the  taban. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


GUTTA-PERCHA  —  ITS  FIRST   APPLICATION   AS  A  CEMENT 
IN  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Gutta-percha,  as  a  cement,  was  first  introduced  to 
our  notice  in  1849.  A  medical  gentleman  having 
received  a  severe  cut  upon  one  of  his  fingers,  dis- 
solved a  portion  of  the  gutta-percha  in  chloroform,  | 
then  with  a  fine  brush,  first  immersed  in  the  solution, 
passed  several  times  around  the  finger  in  order  to  * 
produce  the  required  thickness  ;  then,  immersing  his 
finger  in  water  for  a  short  time,  thus  formed  a  neat 
and  durable  covering,  air  and  water  proof.  Thus 
protected,  it  healed  quickly  without  soreness  or  far- 
ther trouble.  With  this  cement  and  crude  gutta- 
percha, we  first  applied  it  to  Boots  and  Shoes,  and 
found  it  held  very  firmly  the  fibre?  of  cloth  and 
leather  together.  A  sample  in  sheet  form,  we  ap- 
plied with  a  warm  iron.  It  held  with  great  tenacity, 
and  with  an  additional  quantity,  we  applied  it  with 
entire  success,  in  the  repairing  of  about  five  hundred 
pairs  of  shoes.  These  shoes  had  cloth  uppers,  with- 
out "  foxing  "  around  the  heels,  and  were  badly  cut 
in  taking  out  the  "  raw  "  in  finishing  the  knife  work 
around  the  heel.     We  have  continued  the  use  of 

39 


40 


GUTTA-PERCHA, 


gutta-percha  as  a  cement  for  shoes,  also  as  a  water- 
proofing substance  between  the  inner  sole  and  the 
outer  sole,  and  our  experiments  were  fully  successful. 
This  process  also  prevented  the  boots  and  shoes  from 
"  squeaking,"  that  horror  of  nervous  temperaments, 
at  the  same  time  adding  greatly  to  the  durability  of 
the  leather, 

OBSERVATIONS    CONCERNING    GUTTA-PERCHA  AND    RUBBER  IN 
THEIR  USES  IN  THE  MANUFACTURE  OF  BOOTS  AND  SHOES. 

Among  the  many  advantages  we  have  observed 
in  our  experiments  in  the  use  of  gutta-percha  in  the 
manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes,  are  its  exceeding 
fine  grain,  its  perfect  water  and  oil  repellent  proper- 
ties, which  render  it  far  superior  to  all  rubber  ce- 
ments and  combinations  ever  offered  to  the  public. 
Gutta-percha  is  proof  against  water,  acids,  and  oily 
substances,  dampness  and  decomposition.  It  is  very 
tenacious,  clean,  and  sweet,  and  will  stand  all  weath- 
ers, and  will  not  become  sticky.  The  boots  or  shoes 
made  with  it,  may  be  worn  in  damp  or  dry  localities, 
through  water,  oily  or  acid  combinations,  without 
injury  to  the  cement.  These  statements  are  corrob- 
orated by  actual  tests  of  the  severest  nature. 

No  one  will  doubt  who  will  investigate  the  subject 
of  the  application  of  gutta-percha  to  boots  and  shoes. 
It  is  worthy  the  study  of  all  engaged  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  these  articles,  and  will  amply  repay  the 
closest  study  and  investigation.  Nor  can  it  be 
doubted  that  it  is  destined,  in  a  very  brief  period, 
to  supersede  all  other  improvements  in  the  manu- 
facture of  boots  and  shoes. 


ITS  PROPERTIES,  ETC. 


41 


In  1855,  the  "  The  North  American  Patent  Boot 
and  Shoe  Co."  tested  gutta-percha  as  a  cement  after 
they  had  abandoned  a  rubber  filament  or  cement  as 
useless.  They  continued  to  manufacture  boots  and 
shoes  by  the  use  of  gutta-percha,  and  found,  after  a 
long  and  satisfactory  trial,  through  all  seasons  of  the 
year,  that  it  remained  firm  and  uninjured,  not  being 
in  the  least  affected  by  the  oleaginous  substances  or 
fluids  used  in  preparing  the  various  kinds  of  upper 
leather  or  sole  leather.  The  oily  matter  here  referred 
to,  destroys  all  the  rubber  cements,  and  the  Company 
found  that  gutta-percha  continued  as  firm  and  tena- 
cious after  their  tests,  as  when  first  applied  to  the 
shoe,  and  was  not  affected  by  other  chemical  com- 
binations used  in  the  construction  of  the  shoe.  That 
Company  spared  no  pains  or  expense  in  perfecting 
part  of  the  manufacture  of  the  shoes,  whereby  they 
were  enabled  to  produce  a  quality  of  goods  never 
before  equalled  in  lightness,  style,  or  practical  utility, 
exceeding,  as  they  did,  the  most  sanguine  expecta- 
tions of  all  interested.  They  fully  demonstrated 
that  shoes  thus  manufactured  were  far  superior  to 
the  sewing  or  pegging  process,  or  rubber  cements ; 
thus  proving  conclusively  that  the  process  is  destin- 
ed to  produce  an  entire  revolution  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  every  description  of  fine  shoes  and  boots. 

Gutta-percha  cement  applied  to  sole  leather  ren- 
ders it  water-proof  just  in  proportion  as  it  is  mixed 
with  its  fibres,  and  the  quantity  applied  ;  at  the  same 
time  improving  the  leather  more  than  one  hundred 
per  cent,  as  it  adds  to  its  solidity  and  durability. 
The  mixing,  mingling,  or  saturating  the  fibres  of  the 


42 


GUTTA-PERCHA. 


leather,  or  other  fibrous  substances,  as  cloth,  with  the 
cement,  gives  it  its  firm  and  tenacious  hold  on  the 
various  substances  to  which  it  is  applied  in  the  man- 
ufacture of  boots  and  shoes,  and  all  other  combina- 
tions that  require  a  tenacious  cement, 

PROCESS    FOR    MANUFACTURING   BOOTS    OR    SHOES  BY  SIMPLY 
CEMENTING  THE  EDGES  OF  THE  IN  SOLE  AND  OUTER  SOLE. 

Objections  are  sometimes  urged  against  the  gutta- 
percha sole  as  being  liable  to  sweat  the  feet.  This 
objection  we  regard  as  purely  mythical,  as  no  such 
result  will  follow  unless  the  feet  are  encased  in  rub- 
ber or  gutta-percha.  The  top  of  the  foot  being 
covered  with  leather,  thus  allowing  the  perspiration 
to  escape,  the  gutta-percha  sole  acts  only  as  a  pro- 
tection,  thus  avoiding  the  unpleasant  effects  realized 
in  wearing  India-rubber  shoes.  Shoes  or  boots  may 
be  made,  if  desired,  by  cementing  the  edges  of  the 
inner  sole  and  outer  sole  only.  This  process  obviates 
the  objection  just  alluded  to.  We  have  manufactur- 
ed shoes  in  this  manner,  which  have  worn  at  least 
one-third  longer  than  when  pegged  or  sewed,  the 
materials  being  the  same.  For  perfectly  dry  walking 
they  are  a  very  desirable  article.  Only  about  one- 
fourth  the  quantity  of  cement  is  required  when  man- 
ufactured in  this  manner. 


CHAPTER  Y. 


GUTTA-PERCHA  FOR  BELTS,  HARNESSES,  &C. 

Belts  of  leather  may  be  put  together  by  this  ce- 
ment, which  adds  greatly  to  their  wear  and  durability, 
not  being  in  the  least  affected  by  dampness,  neither 
by  the  oils  which  may  come  in  contact  with  them 
from  the  machinery.  In  cutting  up  belt  for  harness 
leather,  there  is  usually  great  waste  and  loss  of  stock, 
as  portions  of  the  sides  are  very  thin,  and  unfit  for 
use.  But  by  this  process  every  particle  may  be 
saved.  Cut  the  stock  the  proper  width,  stretch  it, 
then  raise  a  strong  thick  fibre  on  all  the  thin  parts 
and  the  laps.  Apply  the  cement  hot  with  a  brush  to 
all  the  thin  portions  and  laps.  Let  it  dry  until  the 
solvent  has  evaporated  ;  then  heat  the  parts  suffi- 
ciently, and  press  together  with  a  vice  or  clamps. 
On  all  the  thin  places  apply  a  piece  of  the  cemented 
leather  until  the  belt  is  of  an  even  thickness  ;  press 
firmly  together,  then  shave  off*  the  projections  with  a 
knife  or  cutting  machine.  Trim  the  edges :  you 
will  thus  produce  a  firm,  smooth  belt,  without  a 
stitch ,  rivet ,  or  lacing.  All  portions  of  a  harness  or 
saddle  may  be  cemented  in  the  same  manner.  This 
process  is  exceedingly  simple,  at  the  same  time  eco- 

43 


44 


GUTTA-PERCHA, 


nomical  —  a  saving  of  time  and  money,  and  adds 
greatly  to  their  durability. 

GUTTA-PERCHA  IN   ITS    APPLICATION  TO  WOOD    WORK,  &C, — 
IMPORTANT  TO  SHIP  AND  BOAT  BUILDERS. 

It  may  be  applied  to  vats,  drains,  cisterns,  sinks, 
etc.,  to  great  advantage.  All  square  joints  should 
be  first  prepared  by  raising  a  fibre,  as  in  veneering 
work.  Apply  the  cement  hot,  as  glue  is  spread.  In 
a  few  hours  the  solvent  will  evaporate  ;  then  heat  the 
parts  sufficiently  to  melt  the  cement ;  press  togeth- 
er firmly.  The  gutta-percha  will  be  found  to  be  an 
excellent  cement  for  all  leaky  places  in  stone,  brick 
or  wood  work.  Mix  it  with  sand,  or  any  fibrous 
substance,  apply  hot,  or  melt  it  in  with  a  hot  iron. 
The  pure  gutta-percha  will  cement  broken  stone, 
marble  or  brick,  so  firmly  that  it  will  remain  for 
years.  It  is  undoubtedly  the  best  cement  ever  yet 
discovered.  Ornamental  work,  centre-pieces,  etc., 
may  be  thus  cemented  to  their  position. 

It  is  a  well  known  fact,  that  sub-marine  wires, 
enclosed  in  the  gutta-percha  tube,  are  indestructible , 
as  all  sea  insects,  worms,  &c,  never  molest  it.  In 
caulking  all  ships,  boats,  <fcc,  oakum,  or  any  fibrous 
substance,  may  be  saturated  with  pure  gutta-percha, 
and  then  pressed  hot  into  the  joints  with  a  hot  iron. 
This  process  renders  the  joints  proof  against  all 
agencies.  The  joint  thus  cemented  is  made  more 
firm  and  solid  than  the  plank  itself. 


ITS  PROPERTIES,  ETC. 


45 


TESTIMONIALS 

CONCERNING  THE  PRACTICAL  VALUE  OF  GUTTA-PERCHA,  AND  ITS 
APPLICATION  TO  BOOTS   AND  SHOES,  IN  LONDON. 

Outta-Percha  Company  of  London,  Oct.  1st,  1849. 
The  application  of  gutta-percha  soles  for  boots 
and  shoes  have  been  extensively  and  satisfactorily 
tested,  its  merits  having  been  acknowledged  by  all 
who  have  worn  them.  Indeed,  experience  has 
proved  that  gutta-percha  soles  wear  twice  as  long 
as  leather,  with  great  additional  personal  comfort, 
and  remain  perfectly  impervious  to  wet  until  worn 
through. 

Southampton  Row,  Sept.  1st,  1847. 
Gentlemen  :  I  write  to  thank  you  because  I  can 
speak  confidently  of  the  advantages  of  gutta-percha 
over  leather  soles.  I  made  the  first  pair  last  Octo- 
ber, and  wore  them  eight  months  before  I  wore  the 
soles  through.  I  had  them  heeled  six  times,  and 
one  pair  of  extra  fronts  I  put  to  the  same  soles.  I 
only  kept  i>ne  pair  in  use  to  see  how  long  they 
would  lasff  I  will  never  wear  another  leather  sole 
so  long  as  I  can  obtain  gutta-percha  soles,  and  I 
walk  from  twelve  to  twenty  miles  a  day. 

C.  Wright, 
Boot  and  Shoe  Maker. 

To  the  Gutta-Percha  Co. 

Outta-Percha  Company's  Works. 
Patent  Gutta-Percha  Soles. —  The  applicability  of 
gutta-percha  soles  for  boots  and  shoes  having  been 
extensively  and  satisfactorily  tested,  we  can  unhesi- 


46 


GUTTA-PERCHA, 


tatingly  recommend  the  material  prepared  for  the 
purpose,  its  merits  having  been  acknowledged  by 
all  who  have  tried  it.  Indeed,  experience  has  proved 
that  gutta-percha  soles  wear  twice  as  long  as  leather, 
with  great  additional  personal  comfort,  and  they  re- 
main perfectly  impervious  to  wet,  until  quite  worn 
through. 

London,  Nov.  \th,  1847. 
Gentlemen :  —  I  have  given  the  gutta-percha  boot 
soles  what  may  be  considered  a  fair  trial,  namely : 
three  monitis  constant  wear  on  a  rough,  gravelly 
road,  and  can  bear  testimony  to  its  usefulness.  With 
proper  care  in  putting  them  on,  and  a  little  attention 
afterwards,  I  am  persuaded  that  it  will  last  longer 
than  leather,  and  being  impervious  to  wet,  will  be 
found  invaluable  to  persons  subject  to  damp  or  cold 
feet.  W.  Diar, 

Principal  Officer  of  H.  M.  Customs,  Whitstable. 

Manchester,  England,  March  8,  1848. 

To  Mr.  Henry  Statham  : 

Dear  Sir  :  —  It  is  with  pleasure  that  l*bear  testi- 
mony to  the  good  qualities  of  gutta-percha  soles. 
You  are  aware  that  my  occupation  requires  me  to  be 
on  foot  a  great  deal,  upon  all  kinds  of  roads,  and  in 
all  weathers,  and  since  I  began  to  wear  gutta-percha 
soles,  I  have  not  had  to  complain  of  wet  or  cold  feet. 
The  pair  I  have  on  now  have  been  in  almost  daily  use 
for  more  than  four  months,  and  my  fear  is,  that  the 
upper  leather  will  be  worn  out  first.  I  am  quite  sure 
that  I  save  from  thirty  to  fifty  per  cent.,  in  the  cost  of 
shoes,  in  consequence  of  my  family  wearing  gutta- 


ITS  PROPERTIES,  ETC. 


47 


percha  soles,  and,  so  long  as  1  can  get  them,  I  intend 
to  wear  them  in  preference  to  anything  else  I  have 
seen.  Yours  respectfully, 

Thomas  Whitehead, 

Gas  Office,  Town  Hall,  King  Street. 

London,  April  1,  1848. 
Gutta-percha  Boot  and  Shoe  Soles  for  Summer 
Wear. — The  fact  of  the  total  imperviousness  of  these 
soles  to  water,  enables  the  most  delicate,  by  the  use 
of  them  to  escape  the  suffering  which  the  proverbial 
uncertainty  of  our  climate,  even  in  summer,  so 
often  inflicts  upon  the  incautious.  All  injurious 
effects  may  be  entirely  prevented  by  a  sole  so  thin  and 
light,  as  to  afford  to  the  wearer  a  degree  of  ease  and 
comfort,  unattainable  in  conjunction  with  security 
against  damp.  A.t  the  same  time  the  remarkable  non- 
conducting1 properties  of  gutta-percha,  afford  a  most 
valuable  protection  to  those  who  are  subject  to  suf- 
fering or  inconvenience  by  walking  upon  heated 
pavements.  Mo  instance  of  failure  has  ever  come  to 
the  knowledge  of  the  company,  which  may  not  be 
ascribed  to  the  neglect  of  the  wearer. 

The  following  article  from  the  London  Weekly 
Despatch  will  be  read  with  interest.  The  writer  has, 
evidently,  not  only  a  knowledge  of  the  subject  upon 
which  he  writes,  but  an  appreciation  of  the  value  of 
gutta-percha,  and  its  invaluable  importance  in  the 
mechanical  arts. 

"  We  have  lately  visited  the  extensive  works  belong- 
ing to  the  Gutta-Percha  Company,  in  Wharf-road 
City-road,  and  confess  that  we  were  delighted  and 


48  GUTTA-PERCHA, 


astonished.  The  premises  in  which  the  business  of 
the  company  is  carried  on  cover  a  large  area  of 
ground.  Several  floors  of  the  building  are  devoted 
to  the  operations  of  the  workmen,  amounting  to  nearly* 
one  hundred  and  seventy  individuals,  including  a 
sprinkling  of  stout,  hearty-looking  boys.  The  base- 
ment is  occupied  by  two  steam-engines,  without  whose 
presence  the  works  would  by  no  means  be  complete. 
These  groan  from  "  early  morn  to  dewy  eve,"  in  turn- 
ing lathes  in  the  engineering  department,  in  knead- 
ing the  gutta-percha,  cutting  out  soles  and  heels  for 
boots  and  shoes,  rolling  out  driving-bands  of  every 
dimension,  and  heating  the  steam-chests  by  which  the 
gutta-percha  is  rendered  pliable  and  fit  for  the  hands 
of  the  workmen.  On  the  principal  floor  there  are 
several  hydraulic  presses,  used  in  the  process  of  man- 
ufacture ;  and  we  had  the  good  fortune  to  witness 
the  production  of  a  complete  dessert  service  of  the 
most  chaste  and  elegant  pattern,  and  in  imitation  of 
gnarled  oak.  The  subjects  of  adornment  were  brought 
out  in  high  relief,  and  after  undergoifflb;  the  process 
of  varnishing,  were  surprftingly  beautiful,  light,  and 
incapable  of  being  fractured  or  broken  by  a  fall  or 
blow. 

Some  of  these  sets  were  of  the  vine-leaf  pattern,  in 
close  imitation  to  nature.  These  things  were  pressed 
out  with  some  rapidity,  but  not  without  great  manual 
labor,  notwithstanding  the  aid  of  the  powerful  presses 
alluded  to.  Inkstands  of  the  most  beautiful  charac- 
ter were  also  fashioned  in  a  short  time  ;  indeed,  all 
sorts  of  ornaments,  elaborated  with  the  most  ingenious 
devices,  were  made  during  our  stay.    We  observed  a 


ITS  PROPERTIES,  ETC. 


49 


vast  deal  of  ornamental  work,  intended  to  supersede 
the  labor  of  the  carver.  There  were  frames  of  large 
dimensions  ready  for  the  reception  of  pictures.  We 
were  particularly  struck  with  the  appearance  of  one 
intended  for  a  large  pier-glass.  The  foliage  was  of 
the  most  sumptuous  workmanship,  and  possessed  a 
sharpness  and  finish  which  the  hand  of  man  could 
scarcely  accomplish.  A  design  for  a  bible  cover  was 
exhibited.  The  subject  harmonized  with  the  nature 
of  the  book  it  was  intended  to  enclose,  and  was  in 
bold  relief.  It  is  believed  that  gutta-percha  will,  in 
a  short  time,  be  in  general  use  among  book-binders, 
not  only  in  the  shape  of  massive  covers,  but  to  super- 
sede the  present  cotton  binding,  which  has  so  pretty 
an  appearance,  but  is  not  of  that  lasting  character  as 
to  induce  persons  to  adopt  it  in  cases  where  strength 
and  durability  are  required.  In  other  portions  of  the 
factory,  workmen  were  employed  in  making  instru- 
ments used  by  surgeons,  to  be  employed  in  cases  of 
a  delicate  nature  ;  others  were  finishing  off  the  numer- 
ous objects  just  turned  out  of  the  moulds.  Amongst 
the  other  articles  of  curiosity,  we  observed  several 
yards  of  gutta-percha  rendered  exceedingly  thin  by 
machinery,  and  intended  for  ladies'  dresses.  It  was 
of  a  light  pink  color,  by  no  means  displeasing  to  the 
eye,  and  possessed  of  great  strength.  By  the  aid  of 
delicate  machinery,  the  gutta-percha  was  run  out  into 
thread,  to  be  used  in  the  manufacture  of  ladies'  work 
bags,  fishing  nets,  and  for  a  hundred  other  purposes. 

Large  tubing,  and  some  with  an  inconceivably  small 
bore,  was  run  out  to  lengths  of  various  dimensions. 
Wagon  and  cart  harness,  of  enormous  strength,  com- 
3 


50 


GUTTA-PERCHA. 


bined  with  lightness,  we  observed  hanging  up  in  the 
establishment,  besides  gentlemen's  riding-whips,  and 
things  of  every  kind.  Greatly  as  we  were  delighted 
with  all  these  things,  we  had  yet  another  treat  to 
come,  which  infinitely  surpassed  anything  we  had 
seen.  We  were  shown  several  specimens  of  enormous 
panelling,  on  which  the  carving  of  the  original  design 
was  brought  up  with  remarkable  fidelity.  Consider- 
ing that  gutta-percha  is  an  indestructible  material, 
we  have  little  hesitation  in  stating,  that  the  mansions 
of  the  nobility  will  soon  be  decorated  with  ornamen- 
tal work  produced  by  this  new  system  of  multiplying 
objects,  produced  by  the  ancients  to  their  glory  and 
eternal  honor. 


■ 


CHAPTER  VI. 
- 

INDIA-RUBBER,  ITS  DISCOVERT,  USES,  &C. 

This  important  gum  is  known  by  a  variety  of  names. 
Caoutchouc,  gum-elastic,  and  India-rubber.  It  is  a 
product  of  the  syringe  tree  of  South  America.  This 
substance  was  first  brought  to  Europe  in  1735,  by 
some  French  astronomers,  who  were  sent  to  Brazil  to 
make  astronomical  observations.  It  is  found  abun- 
dantly in  Peru,  Brazil,  and  Quito,  and  has  recently 
been  discovered  in  Asia.  Considerable  quantities  of 
it  are  now  obtained  in  Java,  Penang,  Singapore  and 
Assam.  In  some  places  hundreds  of  miles  are  cov- 
ered with  trees.  They  are  very  lofty,  rising  to  the 
height  of  fifty  or  sixty  feet,  without  branches,  but 
covered  with  a  rich  tufted  foliage.  The  bark  is 
exceedingly  smooth,  its  leaves  deep  green,  thick  and 
glossy,  and  six  or  seven  inches  in  length.  The  fruit 
consists  of  white  almonds  and  is  regarded  by  the 
natives  as  very  delicious.  The  process  of  obtaining 
the  liquid  is  very  simple.  A  longitudinal  gash  is  cut 
in  the  bark  of  the  tree  with  a  hatchet,  a  wedge  i« 
then  inserted  to  keep  the  aperture  open  ;  the  gum 

51 


52  INDIA-RUBBER. 

then  oozes  out  in  the  form  of  a  milky  juice.    A  small 

clay  cup  is  attached  to  the  tree  into  which  the  sap 
flows.  In  the  space  of  four  or  five  hours  the  milk 
ceases  to  run,  and  the  quantity  received  is  about  five 
table  spoonsful.  The  cups  are  now  emptied  and  the 
process  of  smoking  is  commenced ;  this  with  the 
forming  process  must  be  done  as  soon  as  the  milk 


NATIVES  GATHERING  GUTTA-PERCHA. 

coagulates.  A  fire  is  built  upon  the  ground  made  of 
the  nuts  of  the  wassou  palm  tree ;  over  this  fire  an 
inverted  earthen  pot,  with  a  hole  in  the  bottom  is 
placed,  from  whence  issues  a  jet  of  pungent  smoke. 
The  smoke  changes  the  color  of  the  gum  very  slightly 
at  first,  but  by  exposure  to  the  atmosphere  it  becomes 
first  brown,  then  quite  black,  presenting  the  appear- 
ance which  we  see  it  has  in  articles  of  commerce. 
The  sap  of  the  tree  is  laid  on  a  mould  in  succes- 
sive layers,  which  are  allowed  to  dry,  and  are  formed 
into  bottles  and  cakes,  in  which  form  it  is  exported. 
The  natives  of  South  America  are  very  ingenious 
in  the  uses  to  which  they  apply  it.    Boots,  shoes, 


ITS  DISCOVERY,  ETC. 


53 


syringes,  and  tubes,  are  among  the  many  articles 
of  domestic  use  into  which  it  is  converted.  The 
tubes  they  use  as  torches,  which  burn  very  clearly, 
and  emit  but  little  odor.  According  to  the  cele- 
brated- chemist,  Faraday,  its  composition  is  carbon, 
87.2,  hydrogen,  12.8  —  a  hydro-carbon.  It  melts 
when  exposed  to  a  heat  of  248°,  and  is  resolved  into 
vapor  at  600°,  and  can  be  condensed  into  a  liquid 
called  caoutchousine.  In  1770,  a  cubic  inch  of  India- 
rubber  was  sold  in  London  for  seventy-five  cents,  to 
erase  pencil  marks.  It  was  not  used  to  make  water- 
proof fabrics  until  about  the  year  1800.  These  were 
first  invented  by  Charles  Mackintosh,  of  Glasgow, 
who  applied  a  naptha  solution  to  the  surface  of  two 
pieces  of  cloth,  then  laid  them  together,  passed  them 
between  rollers  and  thus  cemented  them  together. 

A  "  Mackintosh  "  was  the  name  applied  for  many 
years  to  a  water-proof  coat.  Dr.  Ure,  although  well 
aware  of  Mr.  Mackintosh's  invention,  coldly  passes  it 
over  in  his  dictionary.  It  is  supposed  that  personal 
feeling  was  the  cause  of  this,  as  Dr.  Thomson  and 
Ure  were  once  rival  chemists  in  Glasgow,  and  Mack- 
intosh was  the  friend  and  pupil  of  the  former.  The 
fabrics  of  Mackintosh  had  a  most  disagreeable  smell, 
still  he  was  the  first  person  who  established  India- 
rubber  manufactures  in  Britain,  and  perhaps  the 
world.  He  afterwards  removed  his  factory  to  Man- 
chester, England.  Various  kinds  of  goods  made  of 
India-rubber  soon  afterwards  began  to  be  manufac- 
tured in  England,  but  they  were  all  decidedly  objec- 
tionable to  use,  until  the  grand  discovery  of  sulphuri- 
zation  was  made  ;  for  this  the  world  is  indebted  to  an 


54 


INDIA-RUBBEE, 


American  inventor,  Nathaniel  Hay  ward  of  Woburn, 
Mass. 

This  substance,  or  rather,  compounds  of  it,  is  n^w 
manufactured  into  so  many  articles  of  beauty  and 
usefulness,  that  it  forms  an  object  of  no  small  wonder 
to  witness  the  rapidity  with  which  such  manufactures 
have  sprung  into  existence. 

The  following  description  of  the  India-Rubber  tree 
and  its  fruit  is  given  by  Chevalier  D.  Claussen, 
inventor  of  the  flax  cotton.  He  says  that  in  the 
course  of  his  travels  in  South  America,  he  had  occa- 
sion to  notice  the  different  trees  which  produce  the 
India-rubber,  and  of  which  the  Hancornia  speciosa  is 
one.  It  grows  on  the  high  plateaux  of  South  Amer- 
ica, between  the  tenth  and  twentieth  degrees  of  lati- 
tude south,  at  a  height  of  from  three  to  five  thousand 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  It  is  of  the  family  of 
the  Sapotacce,  the  same  to  which  belongs  the  tree 
which  produces  gutta-percha.  It  bears  a  fruit,  in  form, 
not  unlike  a  bergamot  pear,  and  full  of  a  milkv  juice, 
which  is  liquid  India-rubber.  To  be  eatable,  the  fruit 
must  be  kept  two  or  three  weeks  after  being  gathered, 
in  which  time  all  the  India-rubber  disappears,  or  is 
converted  into  sugar,  and  is  then  in  taste  one  of  the 
most  delicious  fruits  known,  and  regarded  by  the 
Brazilians  (who  call  it  Mangava)  as  superior  to  all 
other  fruits  of  their  country.  The  change  of  India- 
rubber  into  sugar,  led  him  to  suppose  that  gutta-per- 
cha, India-rubber,  and  similar  compounds  contained 
starch.  He  therefore  tried  to  mix  it  with  resinous  or 
oily  substances,  in  combination  with  tannin,  and  sue- 


ITS  DISCOVERY,  ETC. 


55 


ceeded  in  making  compounds  which  can  be  mixed  in 
all  proportions  with  gutta-percha  or  India-rubber  with- 
out altering  their  characters.  By  the  foregoing  it 
will  be  understood  that  a  great  number  of  compounds 
of  the  gutta-percha  and  India-rubber  class  may  be 
formed  by  mixing  starch,  gluten,  or  flour  with  tannin 
and  resinous  or  oily  substances.  By  mixing  some  of 
these  compounds  with  gutta-percha  or  India-rubber, 
he  can  so  increase  its  hardness  that  it  will  be  like 
horn,  and  may  be  used  as  shields  to  protect  the  sol- 
diers from  the  effect  of  the  Minie  balls,  and  some  of 
these  compounds  in  combination  with  iron,  may  be 
useful  in  floating  batteries  and  many  other  purposes, 
such  as  covering  the  electric  telegraph  wires,  imi- 
tation of  wood,  ship-building,  &c. 

A  description  of  the  various  uses  to  which  Jndia- 
rubber  is  applied,  will  be  found  exceedingly  interest- 
ing and  instructive.  The  English  have  thus  far 
succeeded  more  perfectly,  or  rather  more  generally  in 
their  application  of  it,  than  we,  although  since  1856, 
rapid  strides  have  been  made  in  perfecting  the  manu- 
facture of  the  various  fabrics  in  which  it  is  used  in 
our  country,  especially  New  England.  It  must  not 
be  forgotten  that  to  an  American  is  due  the  discovery 
of  the  process  of  sulphurization,  which  discovery 
immediately  gave  a  new  value,  and  a  new  impulse  to 
the  application  of  this  wonderful  product  of  the  forests 
of  South  America. 

The  following  account  of  the  various  uses  to  which 
India-rubber  is  applied,  is  taken  principally  from 
English  sources,  and  refers  to  the  manufactures  of 
that  country. 


56 


INDIA-RUBBER, 


INDIA-RUBBER  CLEANING  PROCESSES. 

The  India-rubber,  or  caoutchouc,  now  imported  to 
the  enormous  extent  of  six  or  seven  hundred  thousand 
pounds  annually,  reaches  this  country  In  masses  of 
varied  shape,  but  mostly  of  a  dark  color.  In  its 
imported  state  it  is  used  for  very  few  purposes ;  con- 
siderable modifications  being  necessary  for  its  adap- 
tation to  practical  service.  It  requires  to  be  trans- 
formed into  cakes,  or  sheets,  or  tissues,  or  tubes,  or 
solutions,  preparatory  to  its  ultimate  use  ;  and  this 
transformation  requires  operations  of  a  somewhat 
peculiar  kind,  owing  to  the  necessity  of  rendering  the 
whole  mass  homogeneous  in  substance. 

The  bottles,  and  masses,  and  fragments,  as  imported, 
have  much  inequality  in  texture,  and  are,  moreover, 
contaminated  with  much  dirt  and  refuse.    To  sepa- 
rate these,  the  India-rubber  is  first  cut  into  very  small 
fragments,  and  then  steeped  in  warm  water,  by  which 
the  dirt  is  precipitated.    The  fragments  are  dried, 
and  are  then  thrown  into  a  kind  of  kneading  machine, 
where  immense  pressure  is  employed  to  bring  them 
to  one  homogeneous  mass.    The  India-rubber,  though 
put  in  cold,  becomes  so  hot  by  the  agitation  that  it 
could  not  be  safely  touched  by  the  hand ;  it  is  neces- 
sary to  supply  the  machine  with  cold  water,  which  is 
made  nearly  to  boil  by  the  caloric  driven  out  of  the 
elastic  mass.    So  thoroughly  is  the  mass  pressed, 
rolled,  pricked,  cut,  and  kneaded,  by  the  severe  tur- 
moil which  it  undergoes,  that  all  dirt,  air,  water  and 
steam  are  expelled,  and  it  presents  the  appearance  of 
a  dark  colored,  uniform,  smooth  mass.    It  is  put  into 
cast  iron  moulds  of  great  strength,  and  brought,  by 


ITS  DISCOVERY,  ETC. 


57 


hydraulic  or  screw  pressure,  to  the  form  of  blocks, 
slabs,  or  cylinders,  according  to  trie  purpose  to  which 
it  is  to  be  applied. 

MACKINTOSH  CLOTH. 

The  manufacture  of  the  Mackintosh  cloth  is  a  sin- 
gular one.  The  material  is  merely  two  layers  of  cot- 
ton cemented  with  liquid  India-rubber  ;  but  the 
junction  is  so  well  effected,  that  the  three  become  to 
all  intents  and  purposes  one.  The  stout  and  well- 
woven  cloth  is  coiled  upon  a  horizontal  beam,  like  the 
yarn  beam  of  a  loom  ;  and  from  this  it  is  stretched 
out  in  a  tight  state  and  a  nearly  horizontal  position. 
A  layer  of  liquid  or  rather  paste-like  solution  is  applied 
with  a  spatula,  to  a  considerable  thickness,  and  the 
cloth  is  drawn  under  a  knife  edge,  which  scrapes  the 
solution  and  diffuses  it  equally  over  every  part  of  the 
cloth,  which  may  be  thirty  or  forty  yards  long.  The 
cloth  is  then  extended  out  on  a  horizontal  frame- 
work to  dry  ;  and,  when  dried,  a  second  coating  is 
applied  in  a  similar  way ;  and  a  third  and  fourth  may 
be  similarly  applied  if '  necessary.  Two  pieces,  thus 
coated,  are  next  placed  face  to  face  with  great  care, 
to  prevent  creasing  or  distortion ;  and,  being  passed 
between  two  smooth  wooden  rollers,  they  are  so  thor- 
oughly pressed  as  to  be  made  to  unite  durably  and 
permanently.  Cloth,  thus  cemented  and  doubled  and 
dried,  may  be  cut  and  made  into  garments  which 
will  bear  many  a  rough  trial,  and  many  a  deluging 
before  rain  or  water  can  penetrate. 
8* 


58 


INDIA-RUBBER, 


INDIA-RUBBER  CUTTING  PROCESSES. 

It  is  as  a  sheet  and  as  a  thread  that  India-rubber 
meets  its  most  extensive  application ;  and  both  of 
these  are  made  by  cutting  from  the  blocks  and  slabs. 
A  block  is  cut  into  sheets  by  an  ingenious  machine, 
in  which  a  sharp  knife-edge  has  a  rapid  vibratory 
motion  in  a  horizontal  plane,  so  adjusted  as  to  cut 
a  thin  film  from  a  block  of  India-rubber  supplied  to 
it  by  a  steady  motion.  The  knife  requires  to  be 
kept  cool  by  a  flow  of  water,  or  it  would  adhere  to 
the  India-rubber.  In  this  way  thin  sheets  maybe 
cut,  or  thicker  sheets  from  which  stationers'  India- 
rubber  may  be  obtained,  or  sheets  of  any  thickness, 
great  or  small,  according  to  the  purposes  required. 

The  separation  of  the  material  into  shreds  or  nar- 
row strips  is  a  very  pretty  operation,  exhibiting 
much  nicety  of  manipulation.  A  continuous  strip 
may  be  cut  from  a  bottle  or  any  other  curved  mass 
of  the  India-rubber.  The  bottom  of  the  bottle  is 
cut  off,  and  is  pressed  into  a  round  and  tolerably 
flat  form.  The  cake  thus  fashioned  is  fixed  to  the 
end  of  the  horizontal  shaft,  or  lathe-axis,  and  is  made 
to  revolve  with  great  rapidity ;  and  while  so  rotating, 
a  circular  knife,  rotating  at  high  speed,  cuts  through 
the  substance,  and  advances  steadily  towards  the 
centre  of  the  disc  ;  thereby,  separating  the  disc  or 
cake  into  one  continuous  spiral  thread.  This  thread 
can  be  easily  drawn  out  straightly,  and  can  even  be 
separated  into  two  or  more  finer  threads,  by  draw- 
ing it  through  a  hole  where  one  or  more  sharp-cutting 
edges  encounter  it.  If  a  bottle  or  any  other  hollow 
piece  of  India-rubber  can  be  drawn  over  a  cylinder  of 


1 


ITS  DISCOVERY,  ETC. 


5? 


uniform  diameter,  it  may  be  cut  into  a  continuous 
thread,  by  a  modification  of  the  same  machine  ;  the 
cylinder  being  made  to  revolve,  a  steel  cutter  is 
placed  against  it,  and  as  the  cylinder  has  a  slow 
longitudinal  motion  given  it,  the  gum  is  cut  spirally 
from  end  to  end — just  on  the  same  principle  as  a 
worm  or  thread  is  cut  on  a  bit  of  iron  by  the  screw- 
cutting  machine.  Machines  of  this  kind  were  in- 
vented in  France  more  than  twenty  years  ago ;  but 
the  machines  used  in  our  own  country  are  of  Eng- 
lish invention  and  of  later  date. 

INDIA-RUBBER  LIQUID. 

When  once  it  was  discovered  that  India-rubber 
may  be  dissolved  in  petroleum,  in  naphtha,  or  in  oil 
of  turpentine,  it  was  speedily  seen  that  a  new  and 
extensive  sphere  of  utility  was  given  to  it.  The 
coarsest  pieces,  as  imported,  the  waste  from  the 
kneading  operations,  and  the  parings  and  cuttings 
from  other  manufacturing  operations,  are  placed  in 
a  close  iron  vessel,  to  which  the  liquid  solvent  is 
added.  A  brisk  agitation  is  kept  up,  and  the  heat 
thereby  generated  in  the  elastic  gum  warms  the 
liquid  and  increases  its  solvent  power,  until  at  length 
"the  whole  of  the  gum  is  dissolved.  This  operation 
is  conducted  on  a  somewhat  extensive  scale ;  for  the 
iron  vessel  is  large  enough  to  contain  more  than 
half  a  ton  of  India-rubber,  which  requires  three 
days  of  constant  agitation  for  complete  solution. 
The  liquid  thus  produced  has  a  consistency  which 
fits  it  to  be  used  as  a  varnish,  or  as  a  water-proofing 
medium,  or  as  a  cement,  or  for  many  other  purposes 


60  INDIA-RUBBER , 

which  the  sagacity  and  self-interest  of  manufacturers 
have  enabled  them  to  discover. 

INDIA-RUBBER    BRAIDS  AND  WEBS. 

If  we  glance  among  the  stores  of  the  India-rubber 
manufacturers  and  retailers  at  the  present  day,  we 
find  the  braids  and  cords,  webs  and  bands,  form  no 
inconsiderable  portion  of  the  wares  exposed  for  sale. 
These,  in  most  cases,  require  that  the  India-rubber 
should  be  first  made  into  blocks  or  cakes,  next  cut 
into  sheets,  and  then  separated  into  threads,  or  cords, 
or  narrow  strips.  Supposing  these  preliminary  cut- 
tings to  be  effected,  the  making  of  braids  and  webs 
is  exceedingly  curious,  for  it  involves  a  combination 
of  the  India-rubber  with  other  materials.  Let  us 
briefly  trace  the  processes.  In  the  first  place,  the 
narrow  cords  are  stretched  by  a  kind  of  wheel,  and 
kept  extended  till  nearly  deprived  of  their  elasticity, 
and  till  they  form  a  thread  of  the  desired  thickness. 
The  thread  is  then  put  into  a  braiding  machine 
which  is  a  complicated  and  very  ingenious  apparatus, 
whereby  a  sheathing  of  cotton,  silk,  flax,  or  worsted, 
•  is  wound  round  the  India-rubber  thread.  In  such 
a  machine  several  threads  are  twisted  round  each 
other,  from  three  to  nearly  thirty  in  number  ;  eacli  • 
thread  has  its  own  bobbin,  and  all  the  bobbins  revolve 
round  a  common  centre,  giving  out  their  threads  in 
the  proportions  and  order  required.  Generally  speak- 
ing, the  braiding  machine  is  employed  in  making 
stay-laces,  braid,  ^ipholsterers'  cord,  &c. ;  but  it  is 
also  applicable  to  making  the  numerous  elastic  cords 
and  webs  which  owe  their  elasticity  to  India-rubber. 


ITS  DISCOVERY,  ETC.  61 

When  an  envelope  of  cotton,  silk,  flax,  or  worsted, 
has  been  given  to  the  thread  of  India-rubber  by  the 
braiding  machine,  the  threads  are  laid  as  warp  in  a 
loom,  and  woven  into  the  required  kind  of  web, 
whatever  it  may  be.  Then  comes  a  curious  devel- 
opment of  the  properties  of  the  material ;  in  the 
preliminary  stretching,  the  India-rubber  was  made 
somewhat  stiff  and  unyielding ;  but  by  now  exposing 
it  to  the  action  of  a  hot  smoothing  iron  upon  a  table, 
the  elasticity  is  restored,  the  riband  or  web  contracts 
in  length,  and  the  sheathing  or  envelope  corrugates 
or  wrinkles  up  on  the  surface.  The  web  thus  pro- 
duced is  very  soft  and  elastic.  The  warp  threads 
may  be  alternated  with  others  of  non-elastic  char- 
acter; and  the  weft-threads  may  be  either  elastic 
or  non-elastic,  so  that  any  desired  degree  of  elasticity 
may  be  obtained. 

INDIA-RUBBER  VULCANIZED. 

Why  a  piece  of  India-rubber,  when  it  has  been 
somewhat  modified  by  heat  and  chemical  action, 
should  be  deemed  vulcanized,  it  is  for  the  inventor 
to  say.  Let  us  take  the  name  simply  as  an  express- 
ion of  a  fact,  that  fire  or  heat  has  been  brought  to 
bear  upon  this  substance  as  a  means  of  affecting  its' 
qualities.  The  method  was  invented  by  Mr.  Han- 
cock seven  or  eight  years  ago,  and  it  has  been  the 
means  of  giving  a  wide  extension  to  the  use  of  India- 
rubber. 

This  vulcanized  India-rubber  is  in  fact  a  compound 
of  sulphur  with  the  vegetable  gum.  When  a  sheet 
of  India-rubber  is  immersed  in  liquid  sulphur,  a 


62 


INDIA-RUBBER, 


marked  change  takes  place  in  its  qualities ;  the 
sulphur  acts  upon  the  gum  and  combines  with  it ; 
and  indeed  the  two  may  almost  be  said  to  form  a 
new  substance.  The  methods  by  which  the  combi- 
nation is  brought  about  are  varied,  but  the  effect  is 
in  all .  cases  very  remarkable.  The  strength  of  the 
India-rubber  is  increased  to  an  extraordinary  degree. 
The  elasticity  is  rendered  more  permanent,  analogous 
in  some  respects  to  that  of  gutta-percha.  The  new 
substance  will  absorb  essential  oils  without  injury, 
whereas  such  oils  would  dissolve  India-rubber.  It 
retains  its  properties  at  a  temperature  so  low  that 
India-rubber  would  be  too  much  hardened  for  use ; 
and  at  a  temperature  so  high  that  India-rubber 
would  be  destroyed.  Later  experimenters  have 
found  that  antimony,  and  many  other  substances, 
may  similarly  be  combined  with  India-rubber;  and 
it  is  reasonable  to  expect  that  many  useful  novelties 
are  in  use  for  us  in  this  "  vulcanized  "  rubber. 

INDIA-RUBBER  OR   (CAOUTCHOUC)    AND*  GUTTA-PERCHA  —  COM- 
PARISON OF  THE  CRUDE  MATERIALS. 

Much  ignorance  exists  in  relation  to  the  intrinsic 
merits  of  gutta-percha  and  India-rubber.  It  is  gen- 
erally supposed  that  there  is  so  little  difference  that 
it  is  hardly  perceptible,  and  that  the  one  or  the  other 
may  be  used  for  the  same  purposes,  with  the  same 
results.  In  order  to  correct  this  impression  and  con- 
vey an  intelligent  idea  of  their  relative  properties, 
we  here  give  an  analysis  of  the  two  gums : 

Gutta-percha  when  immersed  in  boiling  water  con- 
tracts considerably  in  bulk,  whilst  India  rubber,  when 


ITS  DISCOVERY,  ETC. 


63 


immersed  in  boiling  water,  expands  and  very  material- 
ly increases  in  bulk.  Gutta-percha  juice  also  is  of  a 
dark  brown  color,  and  consolidates  in  a  few  moments 
after  exuding  from  the  tree,  when  it  becomes  about 
as  hard  as  wood.  India-rubber  sap,  on  the  contrary, 
is  perfectly  white,  and  of  about  the  consistency  of 
thick  cream  ;  when  it  coagulates  it  gives  from  four 
to  six  parts  water  out  of  ten.  Gutta-percha  first 
treated  with  water,  alcohol,  and  ether,  and  then  dis- 
solved with  spirits  of  turpentine  and  precipitated, 
yields  a  substance  consistent  with  the  common  prop- 
erties of  gutta-percha;  but  India-rubber  similarly 
treated,  results  in  a  substance  resembling  in  appear- 
ance the  gum  arabic.  Gutta-percha  by  distillation 
yields  57f  per  cent,  of  volatile  matter ;  India- 
rubber  by  the  same  process,  yields  85-J  per  cent. 

India-rubber,  or  caoutchouc,  is  produced  from  a 
milk-white  sap  taken  chiefly  from  the  Sephonca  Ca- 
huca  tree,  afterwards  coagulated,  and  the  whey 
pressed  out  or  dried  off  by  heat  —  the  residue  is  the 
India-rubber  of  commerce. 

Gutta-percha  is  produced  from  the  Isonandra,  or 
Gutta  tree  ;  is  of  a  brownish  color,  and  when  exposed 
>to  air,  soon  solidifies,  and  forms  the.  gutta-percha 
of  commerce. 

India-rubber  of  commerce,  is  of  a  soft,  gummy  na- 
ture, not  very  tenacious,  and  astonishingly  elastic. 

Gutta-percha  of  commerce  is  a  fibrous  material, 
much  resembling  the  inner  coating  of  white  oak 
bark,  is  extremely  tenacious,  and  without  elasticity, 
or  much  flexibility. 

India-rubber,  when  once  reduced  to  a  liquid  state 


64 


INDIA-RUBBER, 


by  heat,  appears  like  tar,  and  is  unfit  for  further 
manufacture. 

Gutta-percha  may  be  melted  and  cooled  any  num- 
ber of  times,  without  injury  for  future  manufacture. 

India-rubber,  by  coming  in  contact  with  oil  or 
other  fatty  substances,  is  soon  decomposed  and  ruined 
for  future  use. 

Gutta-percha  is  not  injured  by  coming  in  contact 
with  oil  or  other  fatty  substances  —  in  fact  one  good 
use  of  it  is  for  oil  cans. 

India-rubber  is  soon  ruined  for  future  use,  if 
brought  in  contact  with  sulphuric,  muriatic,  and 
other  acids. 

Gutta-percha  resists  the  action  of  sulphuric,  muri- 
atic, and  nearly  all  other  acids — in  fact  one  great 
use  of  it  is  for  acid  vats,  &c,  and  other  vessels  for 
holding  acids. 

India-rubber  is  a  conductor  of  heat,  cold  and  elec- 
tricity. 

Gutta-percha  is  a  non-conductor  of  electricity,  as 
well  as  of  heat  and  cold. 

India-rubber,  in  its  crude  state,  when  exposed  to 
the  action  of  boiling  water,  increases  in  bulk,  does 
not  lose  its  elastic  properties,  and  cannot  be  moulded. 

Gutta-percha,  in  its  crude  state,  when  exposed  to 
the  action  of  boiling  water,  contracts  and  becomes 
soft  like  dough  or  paste,  and  may  then  be  moulded 
to  any  shape  —  which  shape  it  will  retain  when  cool. 

India-rubber  is  vulcanized  to  reduce  its  elasticity 
and  give  it  more  firmness  than  is  natural  to  the 
crude  material. 


ITS  DISCOVERY,  ETC.  65 

India-rubber,  vulcanized,  is  not  so  perfectly  a  re- 
pellent of  water,  as  before  being  vulcanized. 

India-rubber  is  not  a  perfect  repellent  of  water, 
but  is  more  or  less  absorbent,  according  to  quality. 

Gutta-percha  has  an  exceedingly  fine  grain,  and  its 
oily  property  makes  it  a  perfect  repellent  of  liquids, 
oils,  acids,  and  all  oleaginous  substances,  so  that 
when  united  to  tanned  leather,  the  oil  in  the  leather 
will  not  affect  the  adhesive  properties  of  the  gutta-per- 
cha. Whereas  oil  in  leather  will  decompose  any  India- 
rubber  cement  that  may  be  applied  to  it. 

Pure  gutta-percha  is  without  smell  or  disagreeable 
odor,  and  whenever  it  is  found  to  produce  any  but  a 
perfectly  sweet  odor,  it  arises  from  its  impurities,  and 
may  be  regarded  as  a  test  of  its  quality. 

India-rubber  when  vulcanized  has  an  odor  about  it 
very  disagreeable.  It  will  decompose,  become  sticky 
like  tar,  and  much  of  it  becomes  entirely  useless.  It 
is  vulcanized  to  reduce  its  elasticity  and  give  it  more 
firmness  than  is  natural  to  the  crude  material,  and 
when  exposed  to  friction,  even  after  vulcanization,  it 
rolls  up  a  dirty,  sticky  mass. 

The  foregoing  analysis  is  so  simple  and  clear,  that 
the  attentive  reader  will  at  once  comprehend  the  nat- 
ural as  well  as  chemical  differences  existing  in  gutta- 
percha and  India-rubber,  being  not  only  chemically, 
but  mechanically  and  commercially  different. 


BOOK  II. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PREPARATION   OF  STOCK. 

In  the  preparation  of  the  leather  for  outer  soles, 
after  it  has  been  stripped  up  in  the  common  form, 
remove  all  the  loose  flesh  by  skiving  or  splitting,  or 
any  other  process.  The  stock  should  be  thoroughly 
dry.  Then  raise  a  thick  and  even  fibre  on  the  flesh 
side,  (remembering  always,  that  the  adhesive  quality 
is  in  proportion  to  the  thickness  of  the  fibre)  with  a 
common  card  or  rasp,  or  other  convenient  tool.  The 
cement  should  be  applied  hot,  with  a  coarse  paint 
brush,  as  evenly  as  possible,  then  expose  the  leather 
to  dry  air  a  day  or  two,  in  order  to  allow  the  solvent 
to  evaporate.  If  the  first  coat  is  too  thin,  apply  a 
second  in  the  same  manner,  until  the  leather  is  well 
coated.  Then  the  leather  should  be  again  exposed, 
as  before,  until  completely  dry.  It  may  then  be  wet 
in  water,  in  the  vsual  form,  until  properly  tempered 
or  prepared.  The  leather  is  then  in  a  condition  to 
be  rolled,  or  hammered.  If  hammered  it  should  be 
first  cut  up  into  soles.  If  rolled  it  may  be  placed  in 
a  cutting  machine,  and  cut  up  in  the  usual  form. 


PREPARATION  OF  STOCK. 


67 


Sole  leather  is  cut  to  the  best  advantage  by  hands 
with  the  proper  patterns,  or  "  dies."  After  the  soles 
are  properly  rounded  to  the  desired  pattern,  for  all 
thin  edged  work  the  cement  should  be  feather- 
edged,  from  the  edge  of  the  sole  at  a  proper  distance, 
in  order  to  secure  a  good  finish.  This  process  pre- 
vents the  cement  from  adhering  or  sticking  to  the 
upper,  when  the  sole  is  pressed  on. 

MIDDLE  SOLES,  AND  SPUR,  OR  SPRING  LIFTS. 

After  they  have  been  properly  fitted,  ready  for  use 
as  in  the  common  form,  the  parts  should  be  dried 
and  a  thick  fibre  raised,  as  before  described  for  the 
outer  sole,  only  that  a  fibre  should  be  raised  on  both 
sides,  as  will  be  readily  understood.  Cement  on  both 
sides.  This  process  may  be  done  before  cutting  into 
soles  or  lifts,  at  the  option  of  the  manufacturer. 

TO  PREPARE  IN-SOLES. 

Cut  from  thin  leather  skirting  or  shavings.  After 
properly  fitting  to  the  pattern  or  last,  the  edges  of 
the  in-sole  should  be  reduced  to  a  proper  thickness. 
A  strong  fibre  should  be  raised  on  the  side  on 
which  the  cement  is  to  be  applied,  the  stock  being 
previously  dry.  Then  cement  as  before.  One  coat 
is  sufficient  if  the  cement  is  thick.  If  not,  spread 
again  upon  the  edge,  as  that  portion  of  the  sole  should 
receive  the  thickest  coating,  for  the  purpose  of  hold- 
ing, with  great  firmness  the  linings  or  upper,  when 
lasted,  as  the  shoe  may  require. 


68 


PREPARATION  OF  STOCK. 


TO  PREPARE  COUNTERS  OR  STIPFENINGS. 

After  properly  fitting  and  drying,  cement  on  both 
sides  of  the  lower  edges,  corresponding  to  the  cement- 
ed portion  of  the  lining  or  "  upper." 

PREPARATION  OF  STOCK  FOR  CLOTH  SHOES. — PREPARATION  OF 
THE  UPPER  STOCK. 

First  cement  the  linings  on  both  sides  entirely 
around,  as  far  as  they  are  to  be  drawn  over  the  edge 
of  the  last.  Then  cement  inside  of  upper,  to  corres- 
pond with  the  cemented  portion  of  the  linings. 
Place  them  in  position  for  drying,  so  that  the  cement 
shall  not  be  brought  in  contact  with  any  other  part  of 
the  upper.  In  order  to  facilitate  the  cementing  pro- 
cess, the  uppers  or  linings,  may  be  so  packed  or 
placed,  the  one  upon  the  other,  that  large  quantities 
may  be  cemented  at  the  same  time.  This  should  be 
done  before  binding. 

TO  PREPARE  UPPERS  MADE  OF  ANY  DESCRIPTION  OF  LEATHER, 
OR  PART  LEATHER  AND  CLOTH. 

The  linings,  (if  any  are  used),  should  be  cemented 
as  described  for  the  cloth  shoe.  The  inside  of  the 
leather  portion  or  parts  of  the  upper  should  be  made 
as  fibrous  as  possible.  Then  apply  the  cement  as 
described  for  linings.  When  fully  dry  they  are  ready 
for  lasting. 

INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  LASTING. 

The  process  of  lasting  is  simple  and  may  be  done 
with  great  despatch,  when  all  parts  of  the  stock  com- 
posing the  shoe  or  boot  are  properly  prepared,  accord- 


PREPARATION  OF  STOCK. 


69 


ing  to  instructions.  Tack  the  in-sole  on  the  last,  place 
it  in  the  "  Improved  Heater, "  or  other  drying  appa- 
ratus, the  heat  being  about  160°  Fahrenheit,  in  which 
place  the  counter  or  stiffening.  Allow  it  to  remain  in 
for  two  or  three  minutes,  until  the  cement  has  soften- 
ed somewhat.  At  the  same  time  place  the  upper  in- 
side, or  on  the  top  of  the  "  Heater."  Heat  carefully, 
but  slightly,  until  the  cement  becomes  tacky.  Then 
tack  the  inner  sole  on  the  last,  on  which  place  the  up- 
per. Last  over  the  linings,  put  on  the  counter,  press 
over  evenly,  then  draw  the  upper  over  neatly  and 
smoothly  to  its  proper  position.  Great  care  must  be 
observed  in  lasting  over  the  lining  or  upper,  to  remove 
all  unevenness.  On  cloth  uppers,  all  the  superfluous 
stock  around  the  heel  and  toe,  may  be  removed  with 
scissors,  on  leather  uppers  with  a  knife  in  the  usual 
form.  At  the  same  time  press,  rub,  or  hammer  each 
part  that  it  may  be  retained  firmly  and  evenly  in  its 
proper  position.  If  the  uppers  are  small,  tacks  may 
be  used  to  hold  each  part  in  its  place.  In  such  cases, 
do  not  remove  the  tacks  until  the  cement  is  cold.  If 
during  the  operation  of  lasting,  the  cemented  surfaces 
become  too  cool  to  stick  firmly,  heat  again  over  the 
"Heater."  Then  hammer  the  parts  lightly.  The 
lasting  thus  prepared,  (if  wholly  of  cloth)  are  now 
ready  for  the  cement.  If  the  upper  is  part  leather, 
the  leather  portion  that  is  drawn  over  the  edge  of  the 
last,  must  have  its  grain  or  enamelled  surface  removed 
as  in  Patent  leather.  This  outer  surface  should  be 
very  carefully  removed  with  a  rasp  or  knife.  A  rasp 
is  preferred  as  it  leaves  a  desirable  fibre.  The  grain 
thus  removed  should  extend  no  farther  than  the 


70 


PREPARATION  OF  STOCK. 


edge  of  the  inner  sole.  The  shoe  is  now  ready  for 
the  cement. 

CEMENTING  PROCESS  AFTER  LASTING. 

The  cement  should  be  spread  on  the  inner  sole, 
and  the  edges  of  the  upper  that  are  lasted  over, 
smoothly  and  evenly,  to  the  edge  of  the  in-sole,  and 
no  farther.  Place  the  shoe  or  boot  to  dry  in  such  a 
position  as  shall  prevent  the  cement  from  running,  or 
spreading  over  other  portions  of  the  shoe.  One  coat 
of  thick  cement  is  usually  sufficient.  But  thick  cloth 
of  various  descriptions,  as  Felting,  Pilot  cloth,  etc., 
will  require  a  double  coating.  Also  some  kinds  of 
leather,  as  buck-skin,  it  being  very  porous  on  its  sur- 
face. All  the  fibres  should  be  fully  saturated  with 
the  cement;  the  solvent  of  the  cement  should  be 
entirely  dried  out,  or  evaporated,  before  putting  on 
the  outer  sole.  If  the  solvent  is  not  entirely  removed 
the  cementation  soon  decomposes.  The  drying  pro- 
cess is  all-important. 

DIRECTIONS  FOR  APPLYING  THICK  OR  THIN  SOLES  TO  SHOES 
AND  BOOTS. 

First  it  must  be  remembered,  that  all  heavy  or  thick 
soles  should  be  first  wet  in  warm  water,  thus  soften- 
ing them,  so  that  they  can  be  easily  formed  to  the 
shoe.  Then  wipe  dry  from  the  cemented  surface, 
place  them  in  the  "  Heater,"  (or  other  suitable 
heating  oven,)  with  the  other  portions  of  the 
stock  that  are  required  in  the  construction  of  the 
shoe  or  boot.  Place  the  shoe  upon  the  "  Heater " 
allowing  it  to  remain  only  long  enough  to  melt  the 
cement ;  then  if  the  shoe  be  a  "  spring  heel,"  place  it 


PREPARATION  OF  STOCK. 


71 


(the  heel)  upon  the  shoe.  If  for  a  double  sole.,  place 
the  middle  sole  in  its  place,  then  the  outer  sole. 
Hammer  and  rub  down  firmly,  so  as  to  exclude  all 
the  air.  Keep  them  in  this  condition  by  wetting 
slightly  with  cold  water,  with  a  sponge,  until  they 
are  firmly  united  and  cold.  Thin  stock  does  not 
require  wetting.  This  being  done,  the  shoes  are 
ready  for  the  finisher.  The  finisher  may  wet  the 
soles  by  soaking  them  in  cold  water,  providing  the 
upper  stock  is  not  injured  thereby,  as  would  be  the 
case  in  bronzed  or  delicate  stock.  In  such  cases  let 
them  be  carefully  wet  with  a  sponge.  They  can  then 
be  finished  in  the  desired  style. 

[EiF"  By  using  due  care,  and  following  the  directions  as  laid  down, 
any  style  of  boot  or  shoe  may  be  put  together,  from  the  coarsest 
brogan,  to  the  finest  kid  stock  of  any  color,  enamelled  leather, 
in  short,  all  classes  of  stock  without  any  damage  to  any  portion 
thereof.  Also  all  kinds  of  cloth,  from  the  coarsest  Felting  or  Pilot 
cloth,  to  the  finest  and  most  delicate  satins.  All  may  be  made  in  a 
superior  style  without  the  least  defect.] 

REMARKS  ON  FINISHING. 

Sometimes  by  accident,  there  is  seen  some  cement 
pressed  out,  adhering  to  the  upper,  caused  by  fitting 
the  sole  too  full,  or  pressing  over  too  far.  In  such 
cases  it  can  be  readily  removed  after  the  sole  has 
been  properly  wet,  by  the  use  of  a  thick  knife.  Its 
edges  must  be  round  and  smooth  so  that  it  will  not 
cut  or  mar  the  upper.  Warm  the  knife  sufficiently 
to  soften  the  cement,  then  the  outer  sole  may  be  set 
off  from  the  upper  at  a  proper  distance,  sufficiently 
to  pare  the  edge  neatly  in  finishing. 

Caution. — Great  care  must  be  used  in  the  use  of 


72 


PREPARATION  OF  STOCK. 


the  warm  knife.  If  too  hot,  it  burns  the  leather 
upper.  The  finisher  will  soon  learn  the  precise  heat 
required. 

Having  given  full  instructions  concerning  the 
manufacture  of  the  gutta-percha  cemented  shoe,  we 
will  now  proceed  to  the  process  of  repairing  every 
description  of  boots  and  shoes,  pegged,  sewed,  or 
cemented.  A  discovery  of  great  practical  importance 
involving  cheapness,  lightness,  quickness  and  wonder- 
ful durability,  rendering  them  water-proof  on  the 
sole,  thus  affording  a  protection  against  wet,  or  damp- 
ness to  the  most  delicate  shoe ;  an  invaluable  consid- 
eration when  we  remember  that  the  primary  cause  of 
nine-tenths  of  the  colds  that  are  experienced,  arise 
from  damp  or  wet  feet,  which  cannot  be  prevented 
by  the  old  process.  Every  considerate  mind  must 
acknowledge  the  great  advantage  thus  gamed  by  the 
water-proof  sole.  The  sole  thus  prepared  being  a 
non-conductor  of  heat,  the  shoe  retains  its  warmth,  no 
matter  how  damp  or  cold  the  surface  of  the  earth 
may  be.  Shoes  or  boots  thus  prepared  may  be 
emphatically  denominated  "  health  preservers." 

INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  PREPARING  TAPS  OR  SOLES  FOR  REPAIRING. 

First  to  prepare  leather  taps,  fit  them  in  the  usual 
manner,  by  "  skiving  "  or  shaving  off  the  proper  por- 
tions of  the  sole  or  tap  to  the  desired  thinness.  The 
stock  being  perfectly  dry,  next  raise  a  thick  fibre,  and 
cement  as  before  described,  for  outer  soles,  A.s  a 
rule  the  cement  will  dry  in  the  space  of  an  hour,  or 
even  in  much  less  time,  if  desired. 


PREPARATION  OF  STOCK.  73 


INSTRUCTIONS  FOE,  PREPARING  THE  BOOT,  OR  SHOE,  TO  BE  RE- 
PAIRED. 

Shave  off  the  various  portions  in  the  usual  manner 
of  repairing.  The  soles  should  be  clean  and  dry, 
Now  raise  a  strong  fibre,  with  a  rasp  or  card,  then 
cement  the  loose  or  broken  parts  of  the  old  sole,  if 
any,  fully.  When  dry,  the  sole  or  tap  being  in  the 
same  condition  of  dryness,  properly  heat  them  in  the 
"  Heater,"  as  described  for  putting  on  the  outer  sole. 
Hammer  and  rub  them  so  that  the  tap  shall  unite 
firmly  to  the  shoe.  Let  them  remain  until  cool,  say 
from  four  to  six  minutes.  Then  wet  and  finish  as 
before  described.  It  is  desirable  to  have  a  quantity 
of  taps  on  hand,  ready  for  use  when  wanted.  Stock 
thus  prepared  will  be  sure  to  adhere,  if  properly  put 
on,  until  worn  off,  unless  removed  by  improper  expos- 
ure to  heat. 

Boots  or  shoes  made,  or  repaired  by  this  process, 
are  made  to  be  worn,  not  roasted  and  burnt,  as  is  too 
often  the  case,  by  the  reckless  and  imprudent.  The 
feet  may  be  ivarmed  as  thoroughly,  and  even  more 
so,  with,  the  gutta-percha  cemented  shoe,  as  with  the 
common  pegged  or  sewed  shoe.  Yet  care  must  be 
used  not  to  heat  the  shoe  to  the  injury  of  the  leather. 
Persons  wearing  these  shoes  will  soon  learn  that  they 
seldom  require  to  be  warmed,  as  the  soles  retain  the 
heat  much  longer  than  the  common  shoe.  Hence, 
whenever  it  becomes  necessary  to  warm  the  feet, 
much  less  heat  is  required,  and  less  time  in  warming 
them. 

4 


74 


PREPARATION  OF  STOCK. 


HINTS  TO  REPAIRERS  OF  BOOTS  AND  SHOES. 

Repairers  of  the  gutta-percha  cemented  shoes 
will  soon  find  that  gutta-percha  for  a  cement,  is  far 
superior  tc  the  old  method,  for  all  kinds  of  repair- 
ing. All  the  thin  stock  or  bits  of  leather  can  be 
cemented  for  taps,  lifts,  counters,  or  jor  any  other 
purpose  9  and  worked  up  to  the  best  advantage  to  all 
concerned.  He  can  apply  leather,  or  sheet  gutta- 
percha for  soles  or  taps,  of  any  thickness  desired. 

IMPORTANT  FACTS  FOR  MANUFACTURERS. 

Various  compounds  of  fibrous  substances  can  be 
used  and  made  by  mixing  and  grinding  gutta-percha 
with  the  following  substances,  between  heated  rollers. 

Artificial  leather  may  be  made  by  rolling  and  mix- 
ing saw-dust  of  any  kind,  or  other  fibrous  substance, 
with  gutta-percha,  as  chopped  tow,  flax,  juto,  cotton 
waste,  etc.,  etc.  Take  maple  saw-dust,  two  parts, 
gutta-percha  one  part.  This  compound  thus  pre- 
pared, will  resemble  oak-tanned  leather.  For  the 
gutta-percha  cemented  shoe,  this  leather  is  considered 
as  being  far  superior  to  any  leather  in  use,  being 
more  durable,  and  leaving  no  waste,  as  all  scraps 
can  be  again  mixed  and  rolled  as  at  first.  The  more 
it  is  mixed  and  rolled  the  better  it  becomes.  Ma- 
hogany saw-dust,  or  other  red-wood  saw-dust,  mixed 
and  prepared  as  before,  will  produce  an  article  re- 
sembling red  sole  leather,  or  hemlock  tanned. 

For  repairing  shoes,  these  compounds,  or  artificial 
leather,  is  superior  to  common  leather,  as  it  can  be 
moulded  and  heated  and  applied  at  once,  without 
the  preparation  required  iu  common  leather,    it  is, 


PREPARATION  OF  STOCK. 


75 


therefore,  simply  to  heat  and  apply,  as  the  gutta- 
percha is  thoroughly  mixed  and  ready  for  use ;  or 
it  may  be  moulded  into  heels,  in  a  solid  form,  and 
then  applied. 

COMPOUNDS  FOR  HEELS  OF  SHOES  OR  BOOTS. 

Take  two  parts  gutta-percha,  one  part  sand,  ground 
flint  or  granite,  mix  them  well  by  passing  between 
heated  rollers.  It  is  now  ready  to  be  moulded  into 
heels,  and  will  produce  an  article  of  wonderful  dura- 
bility. The  compounds  may  be  varied  to  suit  the 
fancy  of  the  manufacturer.  The  proportions  may 
be  varied  by  mixing  a  portion  of  saw-dust,  or  other 
fibrous  substance.  Heels  thus  made  are  exceedingly 
cheap,  and  will  out-wear  the  firmest  leather. 

It  will  now  be  observed,  that  we  have  processes 
for  the  manufacturing  of  &  purely  vegetable  leather, 
-  far  superior  to  any  other,  at  one-third  the  price  — 
which  will  not  decompose  in  any  latitude,  and  is  not 
affected  by  atmospheric  changes  —  is  perfectly  sweet, 
and  may  be  worn  at  any  time,  through  heat  or  cold, 
wet  or  dry  —  through  acids  or  oily  combinations, 
with  entire  safety. 

VARIOUS  FIBROUS  COMPOUNDS  FOR  IN-SOLES,  STIFFENINGS  OR 
COUNTERS,  FOR  ALL  DESCRIPTIONS  OF  CEMENTED  BOOTS  AND 
SHOES, 

May  be  made  by  the  same  process  as  the  artificial 
leather,  and  rolled  to  any  required  thickness. 
These  compounds  make  the  best  counters  for  all 
kinds  of  cemented  boots  and  shoes,  as  they  are 
water  proof,  and  easily  fitted  and  moulded  to  the 
shoe,  after  being  properly  warmed  in  the  "  Heater. " 


76 


PREPARATION  OF  STOCK. 


v 


Old  sail  cloth,  or  cotton  fabrics  of  every  description, 
that  may  have  become  useless  for  any  other  purpose, 
make  good  in-soles,  by  rolling  thereon  a  thin  sheet 
of  gutta-percha,  and  may  be  combined  to  any  re- 
quired thickness.  Gutta-percha  may  be  applied  to 
all  kinds  of  paste-board,  straw-board,  coarse  paper 
or  cloth,  thus  forming  a  cheap  and  convenient  water- 
proofing.  This  may  be  done  by  simply  spreading 
the  warm  gutta-percha  upon  its  surfaces.  After  the 
cement  has  been  submited  to  a  drying  process  of  a 
few  hours,  it  should  then  be  subjected  to  a  heat  of 
about  180°  for  the  space  of  five  minutes.  This 
process  completely  expels  the  solvent,  at  the  same 
time  causes  the  cement  to  penetrate  the  substance 
upon  which  it  is  spread.  This  material  for  lin- 
ings and  coverings  of  boxes5  or  boxes  made  of  heavy 
coarse  paper  thus  prepared  for  packing  boots  and 
shoes,  all  kinds  of  fine  goods,  medicines,  vegetable 
compounds,  highly  finished  tools,  etc.,  may  be  thus 
shipped  on  long  voyages,  and  subjected  to  damp, 
mildew,  and  decomposition,  with  the  utmost  safety. 
Edges  of  boxes  may  be  cemented  together  with  gutta- 
percha by  a  warm  iron,  precisely  like  the  soldering 
process. 

Common  paper  boxes  may  be  made  water-proof 
by  the  process  just  described. 

The  cloth  or  paper  thus  prepared,  forms  an  excel- 
lent water-proof  lining  for  trunks,  valises,  or  chests. 

Stout  cloth  thus  prepared  may  be  made  into  tubes 
for  conveying  water  to  all  parts  of  the  house,  or  from 
the  spring  to  the  house.  Water  thus  conducted  re- 
mains as  pure  and  sweet  as  when  taken  from  the 


PREPARATION  OF  STOCK. 


77 


spring,  and  the  tube  is  literally  indestructible  by  all 
ordinary  agencies. 

Excellent  speaking'  tubes  may  be  thus  prepared  at 
a  trifling  expense. 

PRACTICAL  HINTS. 

Gutta-percha  may  be  mixed  and  ground  together 
with  almost  an  endless  variety  of  substances,  which 
substances  are  usually  regarded  as  of  little  or  no 
value  in  themselves ;  but  being  combined  with  gutta- 
percha, are  thus  transformed  into  valuable  articles 
of  mechanical  manufacture.  Much  of  the  gutta- 
percha which  is  introduced  into  the  market  is  noth- 
ing but  a  mixture  of  dirt,  bark,  and  mineral  sub- 
stances, which  entirely  destroy  its  value.  Great 
care  should  therefore  be  observed  in  its  selection,  as 
its  purity  makes  its  value. 

Gutta-percha  must  be  mixed  or  combined  with 
what  may  be  denominated  imperishable  substances, 
or  substances  which  the  gutta-percha  renders  imperish- 
able. 

In  many  of  its  combinations  found  in  commerce, 
it  is  entirely  destroyed  and  the  manufactured  article 
made  worthless.  In  very  many  instances  which  have 
come  to  our  knowledge,  boots  and  shoes  have  been 
thus  rendered  of  little  or  no  value,  and  were  justly 
returned  to  the  manufacturers.  Kid  and  leather 
shoes,  with  baked  or  burnt  upper  stock,  and  combi- 
nations of  rubber  cement,  rot  or  decompose  the  fibres 
of  all  cloth  or  leather  to  which  it  is  applied  that 
contains  any  oleaginous  substances.  Thus  kid  and 
leather  shoes,  with  baked  or  burnt  upper  stock,  and 
combinations  of  rubber  cement,  which  rot  or  de- 


78 


PREPARATION  OF  STOCK. 


compose  the  fibres  of  all  cloth  or  leather,  which 
contain  any  oleaginous  substance  to  which  it  is 
applied,  have  been  thrown  upon  the  market,  thus 
producing  a  prejudice  in  some  minds,  and  destroying 
confidence  in  their  utility. 

In  England  and  France,  where  the  use  of  gutta- 
percha is  better  understood  and  appreciated,  it  has 
been  used  in  its  application  to  shoes  for  several  years. 
Gutta-percha  soles  are  prepared  to  suit  the  various 
sizes  of  boots  or  shoes,  and  are  thus  sold  in  packages. 
Prepared  cement  in  small  boxes  with  directions  is  an 
article  generally  for  sale.  Thus  any  person  can  mend 
his  shoes  without  the  aid  of  the  cobbler.  The  process 
is  exceedingly  simple,  the  sole  requiring  only  to  be 
warmed  and  pressed  upon  the  shoe  with  the  hand. 

Thousands  are  thus  enabled,  especially  in  the  man- 
ufacturing districts  of  those  large  commercial  centres, 
to  mend  their  own  shoes  at  less  than  one-half  the 
usual  cost,  and  in  a  much  superior  manner.  Foreign- 
ers, on  arriving  in  this  country,  are  greatly  surprised 
at  our  lack  of  enterprise  in  this  direction,  and  loudly 
call  for  the  gutta-percha  taps,  especially  after  using 
the  miserable,  half-tanned,  and  poorly  made,  sewed 
or  pegged  trash,  which  is  so  abundant,  quantities  of 
which  are  sent  to  our  Southern  and  Western  markets. 
This  is  well  illustrated  by  the  anecdote  of  a  Southern 
negro,  who,  having  worn  a  pair  of  these  cheap, 
roughly-constructed  brogans,  and  finding  them  fall- 
ing to  pieces,  said  to  his  master,  "  What  make  these 
shoes  come  to  pieces  so  soon  ?."  "  Why,"  said  the 
master,  in  reply,  "  those  shoes  grow  at  the  East  on 
trees."  "  Is  dat  it,  massa ;  well,  den  dese  was  picked 
before  dey  was  ripe." 


CHAPTER  II. 


HINTS  AND  INSTRUCTIONS  ON  CUTTING  PATTERN 

FOR  BOOTS  AND  SHOES  OF  EVERY  DESCRIPTION. 

It  is  well  known  to  all  shoe  manufacturers,  that 
great  difficulty  and  trouble  is  constantly  arising  for 
the  lack  of  some  standard  system  of  measurement, 
which  shall  enable  the  workman  who  is  dependent 
simply  upon  his  own  unaided  labors  for  a  livelihood, 
or  the  manufacturer  who  employs  many  "  hands,"  to 
cut  out  their  own  patterns.  As  it  now  is,  there  are 
"  pattern  cutters "  to  whom  the  workman  must 
apply  for  his  sizes  and  patterns,  thereby  subjecting 
him  to  expense  and  loss  of  time.  In  order  that  all 
obstacles  of  that  nature  may  be  obviated  and  a  reli- 
able system  or  plan  of  cutting  patterns  be  introduced, 
we  herewith  submit  a  system  for  cutting  diagrams,  or 
patterns  of  boots  and  shoes.  The  plan  is  simple, 
scientific,  correct.  For  those  whose  experience  has 
been  limited,  this  method  will  be  a  perfect  key  to 
the  mysteries  of  pattern  cutting.  The  great  deside- 
ratum with  all  boot  and  shoe  makers,  is  to  construct 
a  neat,  comfortable,  well-fitting  boot  or  shoe,  so  that 

79 


80 


HINTS  AND  INSTRUCTIONS 


in  all  cases  they  shall  fit  the  foot.  This  can  only  be 
done  by  having  the  last  made  to  fit  the  foot  properly, 
and  the  upper  cut  to  fit  the  last.  Boots  and  shoes 
are  usually  cut,  and  lasts  are  made,  to  suit  the  eye, 
the  fancy,  whims,  or  traditions  of  manufacturers,  as 
they  are  the  responsible  parties,  as  from  them  all 
"  orders  "  emanate.  Ask  the  manufacturer  why  the 
lasts  are  made  crooked  on  the  bottom  —  why  hollow 
the  shanks  equally  on  both  sides  —  why  make  a 
hollow  on  the  outside  of  the  last  affect  a  fulness  on 
the  foot  —  why  make  the  inner  ball  straight,  when 
in  the  foot  it  is  always  round.  No  satisfactory  an- 
swer can  be  given.  Are  these  unnatural  deformities 
required  to  make  a  well  fitting  boot  or  shoe  ?  Why 
not  make  the  last  the  natural  shape,  and  let.  the 
shank  remain  firm  and  solid  ?  If  the  last  is  made 
in  perfect  conformity  to  the  foot,  all  parts  of  the 
boot  or  shoe  would  then  remain  in  their  proper 
positions,  natural  and  easy  to  the  foot.  So  far  as 
our  observation  extends,  there  is  no  established  prin- 
ciple in  constructing  lasts,  as  there  is  no  conformity 
as  a  general  thing,  to  the  shape  of  the  foot.  This 
fault  does  not  attach  to  the  last  maker,  but  to  those 
who  order  them. 

As  a  rule,  we  may  say,  all  lasts  should  be  made 
nearly  straight  on  the  bottom.  The  ball  on  both 
sides  should  be  equally  distant  from  a  longitudinal 
line  drawn  from  the  centre  of  the  toes  to  the  centre 
of  the  heel. 

As  tl|e  foot  indicates,  the  inner  shank  should »be 
formed  by  rounding  it  from  behind  the  large  toe  ball, 
and  near  it  and  forward  to  the  heel  seat,  and  two- 


ON  CUTTING  PATTERNS. 


81 


thirds  across  it,  passing  the  centre  of  the  last,  leaving 
the  outside  shank  full  and  properly  rounded  to  fit 
the  foot.  All  parts  of  the  last  should  conform  to 
the  shape  and  thickness  of  the  foot*.  For  ladies'  lasts, 
the  spring  of  the  toes  and  bottom  of  the  last  should 
be  so  concave  as  to  give  perfect  ease  and  rest  to  the 
foot  when  standing,  as  seen  in  Fig.  No.  1.  No.  2. 
represents  a  last  "common  use ;  the  upward  course 
from  the  centre  of  the  heel  to  the  back  portion  of 
the  heel,  places  it  on  an  inclined  plane,  thus  always 
pressing  the  foot  forward,  and  pinching  the  toes,  until 
from  continuous  pressure,  the  heel  seat  gives  way 
and  the  stitches  or  pegs  start  at  every  step.  For 
ladies'  high-heeled  boots,  see  Fig.  No.  3.  By  the 
horizontal  and  perpendicular  line  of  the  last,  as  rep- 
resented, the  foot  is  at  rest.  The  slight  curve  pre- 
vents the  foot  from  pressing  forward,  at  the  same 
time  the  elastic  takes  its  proper  position,  thus  allow- 
ing the  boot  to  be  drawn  on  with  ease,  and  to  be 
worn  with  comfort. 

No.  4  represents  a  boot  once  very  much  in  use,  and 
even  at  the  present,  frequently  seen.  The  wearer 
stands  and  walks,  it  will  be  observed,  upon  an  inclined 
plane. 

Every  step  presses  the  foot  forward,  causing  the 
shoe  to  slip  up  at  the  heel,  and  always  crowding  the 
front  portion  of  the  foot  and  toes  into  a  most  un- 
comfortable position.  Thus  causing  great  pressure 
on  the  upper  portion  of  the  foot ;  if  the  foot  is  of  a 
side-lace  cut,  the  lacings  are  strained,  torn,  or  broken 
by  the  continued  efforts  of  the  foot  to  bring  the  upper, 
and  sole,  to  the  natural  position  of  the  foot.  Shoes 
4* 


HINTS  AND  INSTRUCTIONS 


ON  CUTTING  PATTERNS. 


83 


ON  CUTTING  PATTERNS. 


86 


HINTS  AND  INSTRUCTIONS 


thus  cut,  and  made  on  such  lasts  are  almost  invaria- 
bly bent  in  the  shank  in  order  to  conceal  the  ignor- 
ance of  the  manufacturer  or  designer.  But  the  foot 
is  sure  to  betray  the  deformity  of  the  last  and  the 
cut  of  the  uppers.  Boots  and  shoes  thus  made  are 
literally  spoiled,  unless  the  wearer  can  keep  the  ankle 
back  to  an  angle  of  forty  or  forty-five  degrees,  which 
is  the  position  of  the  foot  when  thrown  forward,  while 
in  a  sitting  position. 

No.  5  represents  a  side  view  of  a  lady's  last  for 
high-heeled  boots,  and  its  block.  The  blocks  are 
changed  to  give  any  desired  fulness  on  the  same 
lasts.  The  blocks  are  represented  in  Nos.  1, 2, 3. 
Mr.  John  Kimball  first  invented  and  introduced  them 
to  the  public  in  1827.  Since  that  period  they  have 
continued  in  general  use,  giving  the  most  .perfect 
satisfaction  both  in  style  and  comfort.  The  prac- 
tical utility  of  Mr.  Kimball's  system  is  of  the  highest 
importance  to  the  shoe  dealer  and  manufacturer. 
It  is  equally  clear  that  the  same  system  should  be 
adopted  for  mens'  and  boys'  lasts  so  as  to  indicate  the 
dimensions  of  boots  or  shoes  by  the  use  of  a  single 
letter  of  the  alphabet.  The  mechanical  part  of  the 
above  mentioned  system  has  been  performed  in  a 
very  faithful  and  workman-like  manner  by  Mr. 
Joshua  Hitchings,  of  Boston,  Mass.  The  letters 
used  by  Mr.  Kimball  to  indicate  the  width  of  soles 
and  lasts  are,  A  B  C  D  E  F.  If  a  wider  last  is 
wanted  it  would  be  called  G-. 

In  taking  the  measures  of  the  foot,  the  tailors' 
tape  is  the  best,  as'  it  is  non-elastic.  Great  care 
should  always  be  used  in  taking  measurements.  In 


88 


HINTS  AND  INSTRUCTIONS 


taking  the  length  of  the  foot,  it  should  rest  evenly 
upon  the  size-stick,  the  weight  of  the  body  being 
about  equal  in  its  position.  In  taking  the  measure 
for  the  heel,  place  the  end  of  the  tape  on  the  curve  of 
the  instep,  and  pass  it  around  the  end  of  the  heel 
back  to  the  centre  or  starting  point ;  then  place  the 
end  of  the  tape  about  three-fourths  of  an  inch  forward 
of  the  curve  of  the  instep,  pass  it  over  the  prominence 
of  the  foot,  entirely  around  it ;  next  place  the  tape  on 
the  ball  of  the  large  toe,  pass  it  over  the  ball  of  the 
small  toe  around  to  starting  point.  These  are  the 
common  measurements.  Sometimes  deformities  of 
the  foot  require  variations  on  account  of  corns,  etc. 

FITTING  UP  LASTS  TO  THE  MEASUREMENTS  OF  THE  FOOT. 

For  childrens,  and  youths,  cut  and  fit  them  up  full 
lo  the  measure,  and  in  some  cases  fuller.  For  boys 
and  misses,,  fit  full.  For  ladies  fit  closely,  and  be 
guided  by  the  foot,  rather  than  the  fashion,  or  what 
is  termed  "  style  ;  "  fit  the  heel  full,  the  instep  half  an 
inch  less  than  the  measure,  and  most  of  the  other 
measures  one-quarter  of  an  inch  less.  For  Oxford- 
ties,  fit  them  one-quarter  of  an  inch  less  than  meas- 
ure ;  the  same  for  shoes  with  long  quarters.  For 
short  quarters,  as  brogans,  &c,  fit  over  the  instep  full 
in  order  to  produce  ease.  For  coarse  boots  fit  up 
full  to  all  parts  of  the  measure  ;  for  kip  boots  if  thin, 
one-quarter  of  an  inch  less  than  the  measure,  but  in 
all  cases  be  guided  by  the  hardness  and  thickness  of 
tho  upper.  In  gentlemens'  fine  boots,  for  all  jwrts, 
let  taste  and  fashion  be  your  guide  in  lengtli^^s, 
&c.  Fit  the  heel  up  full  to  the  measure,  and  all 
other  parts  snugly  to  the  foot ;  be  guided  by  flexibil- 


ON  CUTTING  PATTERNS. 


89 


ty  or  hardness  of  the  foot,  making  all  due  allowance 
for  tender  parts,  corns,  callouses,  or  rolling  of  the 
small  toes,  and  fulness  of  great  toe  joints,  by  fitting  a 
piece  on  the  last  in  the  proper  position  and  shape,  tc 
correspond  to  the  variations  as  above. 

CUTTING  BOOT  PATTERNS. 

Opinions  concerning  the  cutting  of  boots  are  very 
numerous.  There  seems  to  be  little  or  no  uniformity 
in  the  system  of  cutting.  Mr.  S.  C.  Shire,  of  Blooms- 
bury,  Pa.,  received  a  patent  for  a  boot-drafting,  cut- 
ting, blocking  machine,  which  patent  bears  date 
August  14th,  1847.  It  has  received  the  approbation 
of  the  Southern  and  Western  manufacturers,  and  has 
been  adopted  as  a  guide  by  them.  Many  of  our  own^ 
manufacturers  have  also  adopted  it.  It  operates  witn^ 
ease  and  accuracy,  and  is  easily  adjusted  to  any  size. 

As  the  process  of  boot  cutting  is  very  simple,  many 
manufacturers  cut  by  the  eye.  The  apparatus  alluded 
to  will  assist  all  who  are  commencing  the  business. 
Have  the  last  agree  with  the  foot  in  every  part,  then 
cut  the  boot-upper  to  fit  the  last,  so  that  in  lasting,  it 
will  come  over  the  last  easily  and  smoothly  without 
straining,  as  all  such  pressure  is  an  actual  damage  to 
the  boot.  Most  boot-uppers  are  not  crimped  but 
jammed  and  crushed  into  their  position.  The  crimp- 
ing is  of  great  importance  and  should  be  done  with 
care.  The  crimp  should  agree  in  its  form  to  the  last 
in  all  its  upper  curves  ;  then,  when  cut  properly  and 
fitted,  it  will  last  -over  smoothly  and  all  parts  will 
adapt  themselves  to  their  proper  position,  thereby 
preventing  all  friction,  which  is  the  origin  of  corns, 


90 


HINTS  AND  INSTRUCTIONS 


and  the  various  diseases  of  the  foot.  It  is  absolutely 
necessary  that  the  measures  be  taken  with  great 
accuracy,  and  the  last  fit  the  measure,  and  the  boot 
cut  to  fit  the  last,  and  all  parts  of  the  work  done 
well,  then  the  wearer  will  enjoy  the  luxury  of  a 
closely  fitting  boot,  without  any  of  the  painful  results 
which  are  usually  consequent  upon  wearing  new 
boots.  The  great  secret  of  the  ease,  comfort,  and 
elegance  of  a  French  boot  is  its  perfect  conformity  to 
nature.  The  style  of  a  boot  is  simply  a  matter  of  fancy. 
The  boot-trees  should  more  nearly  imitate  the  natural 
limb,  and  not  present  that  extreme  swelled  appear- 
ance, as  many  do,  thus  causing  the  side  seam  to 
burst  out.  Make  the  top  of  the  boot  leg  slightly 
^larger  than  the  heel  measurement  as  a  general  rule, 
and  add  to  or  diminish  from  it,  as  the  instep  is  high 
or  low.  In  some  cases*  of  high  instep  more  room  is 
wanted,  consequently  more  leather  in  the  instep ; 
this  is  obtained  by  cutting  the  upper  fuller  at  the 
bottom. 

All  lasts  should  be  made  with  blocks,  and  high  * 
combs,  for  all  kinds  of  boots  or  shoes,  as  thus  the 
uppers  are  kept  smooth,  in  good  shape,  and  clean. 

There  is  much  confusion  in  the  length  of  boots  and 
shoes.  This  is  caused  by  the  manufacturers  using 
the  size  sticks  in  common  use,  which  are  incorrect. 
Thus  shoes  marked  fives,  are  made  on  a  four  and  a 
half  last ;  a  five  last  should  be  made  just  ten  inches  . 
long,  and  all  below  that  should  vary  just  one-third  of 
an  inch  to  each  size,  and  all  sizes  above  five  should  be 
subject  to  the  same  variation. 


ON  CUTTING  PATTERNS. 


91 


WOMENS'  LASTS. 

Marked  2  is  9  inches  long. 

3  9£  " 

"      4  9|  " 

"     5  10  " 

6  101  " 

"      7  10|  " 

"      8  11  " 


BOYS'  LASTS. 

Marked  1  is  8|  inches  long. 

"      2  9      "  " 

M      3  9£     "  " 

"      4  9|  *' 

"      5  10  " 


MENS  LASTS. 

5  is  10  inches  long. 

6  10  J 

7  10| 

11  12 

12  12} 

13  12| 

14  13 

The  width  of  mens'  lasts  on  the  bottom,  vary  one- 
twelfth  of  ail  inch  for  each  size,  and  three-twelfths  of  an 
inch  over  the  instep  for  each  size.  A  man's  ten  last 
of  a  good  fulness  measures  across  the  ball  three  and 
three-eighths  inches ;  across  the  heel  two  and  five- 
eighths,  and  in  the  same  proportions  of  fulness ;  the 
five's  last  measure  across  the  ball  three  inches,  and 
the  heel  two  and  three-eighths,  and  the  same  propor- 
tions of  fulness  should  for  a  ten's  last,  girt  ten 
and  one-half  inches  over  the  instep,  and  the  five's 
should  girt  nine  and  one-quarter  inches.  A  ten's 
vamp  for  men's  Oxford-tie,  measures  across  its  ex- 
treme points,  nine  inches  ;  five's  vamp,  eight  inches. 
Draw  a  line  across  from  one  extreme  point  to  the 
other,  and  six  and  seven-eighths  inches  of  that  line 
will  give  the  length  for  the  ten's  vamp,  and  six  inches 
will  give  the  length  for  the  five's  vamp.  Five  and 
one-half  inches  will  be  the  proper  length  for  the  base 
line  of  a  ten's  quarter  ;  five  inches  for  the  five's  quar- 


92 


HINTS  AND  INSTRUCTIONS 


ter ;  the  quarter  at  the  back  of  a  ten's  upper  is  three 
and  one-half  inches  high ;  the  five's  quarter  is  three 
and  one-sixteenth  inches  high.  Draw  a  line  from  the 
front  point  of  the  quarter,  to  the  top  of  the  heel  line 
on  the  quarter,  and  eight  and  one-quarter  inches 
gives  its  length,  and  seven  and  one-quarter  the  length 
for  the  five's  ;  the  front  base  line  for  the  ten's  is  three*" 
and  three-eighths  of  an  inch  long,  the  five's  three 
inches  long.  Draw  a  line  perpendicular  from  the 
base  of  the  ten's  quarter  to  the  top  point,  and  five  and 
one-eighths  inches  will  give  its  height ;  four  and  five- 
eighths  will  be  the  height  for  the  five's  quarter.  Draw 
a  line  on  the  upper,  after  it  is  closed  from  the  centre 
of  the  toes,  to  the  top  of  the  quarter,  and  also  to  the 
heel,  and  its  length  will  be  twelve  and  seven-eighths. 
On  a  ten's  last  it  is  eleven  and  five-eighths  full.  The 
upper  when  folded  and  pressed  together,  will  be  three 
and  one-half  sizes  larger  than  the  last. 

The  width  of  Mr.  Kimball's  seven  F  last  across 
the  ball,  is  three  and  one-eighth  inches  ;  width  of  heel 
two  and  one-sixteenth  inches.  The  A's  seven  last 
across  the  ball  is  two  and  one  half-inches,  the  heel 
two  and  three-sixteenths.  By  this  it  will  be  seen 
that  his  system  for  varying  the  width  of  his  lasts,  is 
one-eighth  of  an  inch  for  each  size  across  the  ball, 
and  one-sixteenth  of  an  inch  across  the  heel.  With 
his  three  marked  C,  M,  F,*  &c,  you  have  three  degrees 
of  fulness  for  each  last,  making  it  the  most  con- 
venient system  in  use.  The  upper  of  A.  No.  6  ladies' 
shoe,  should  measure  eight  and  five-eighths  inches 
over  the  highest  part  of  the  instep  ;  the  No.  2  should 

*C — eommou;  M — medium;  F — full. 


ON  CUTTING  PATTERNS 


93 


measure  seven  and  seven-eighths  and  one-sixteenth, 
over  the  same  part.  In  this  manner,  the  variation 
for  each  size  is  one-twelfth  of  an  inch  on  each  side  of 
the  vamp ;  this  is  the  same  variation  as  in  the  men's 
uppers. 

Children  and  misses  shoes  can  all  be  arranged  on 
the  same  system  of  diagrams.  Every  Boot  and  Shoe 
manufacturer  and  maker,  should  have  full  sets  of 
patterns.  By  having  a  pattern  of  each  size  and 
style,  there  is  no  waste  of  time  in  drafting.  The 
patterns  can  be  easily  and  correctly  altered  or  varied 
to  meet  any  emergency  that  may  arise.  It  is  not 
safe  to  trust  to  the  eye  as  it  is  liable  to  mistakes. 

By  following  the  directions  here  given,  together 
with  the  instructions  already  laid  down,  any  person 
of  common  capacity  and  ordinary  ingenuity,  can  cut 
a^Lill  sett  of  patterns  for  any  description  of  boot  or 
shoe  required. 


COMMON  OR  MEDIUM 

PROPORTIONS 

OF  FEET. 

MENS'  SIZES. 

Size. 

Length  of  foot. 

Heel  measure. 

Over  the  instep 

6 

10^  inches. 

12  i  inches. 

94  inches. 

7 

io|  " 

124  " 

91  »> 

8 

n 

13  " 

9|  " 

9 

iii  " 

13^  " 

91    "  . 

10 

ii|  " 

14  " 

104  " 

11 

12 

144  " 

104  " 

LADIES'  SIZES. 

Size. 

Length  of  foot. 

Heel  measure. 

Over  the  instep 

3 

9 \  inches. 

Ill  inches. 

84  inches. 

4 

n  " 

114  " 

84  » 

5 

10  " 

Hi  " 

9  {i 

6 

10  J  " 

12  » 

94  " 

7 

10|  *> 

12J  » 

94  " 

94 


HINTS  AND  INSTRUCTIONS 


boys'  sizes. 


Size. 

Length  of  foot. 

Heel  measure. 

Over  the  instep. 

1 

8|  inches. 

10  £  inches. 

7 J  inches. 

2 

9 

m  » 

84  " 

3 

9J  " 

m  " 

81  " 

4 

9|  » 

12 

8$  " 

5 

10 

124  " 

81  m 

YOUTHS'  sizes. 

Size . 

Length  of  foot. 

Heel  measure. 

Over  Me  instep. 

9 

7  inches. 

81  inches. 

62  inches. 

10 

7£  " 

9 

64  " 

11 

7|  » 

94  " 

7  " 

12 

8  * 

H  " 

74  " 

13 

8J  " 

10  " 

7i  » 

MISSES  LASTS. 

Size. 

Length  of  foot. 

Heel  measure. 

Over  Me  instep. 

10 

7J  inches. 

10  inches. 

6|  inches. 

11 

7|  " 

10*  " 

6  5-6  " 

12 

8 

10|  " 

7  ^ 

13 

8}  « 

11  " 

71-6  " 

1 

8|  " 

11*  " 

7£  » 

2 

9 

HI  " 

7i  " 

C  LASTS 

All 

Children's  Lasts  should  always  be  made  Block  Lasts. 

Size. 

Length  of  foot. 

Heel  measure. 

Over  Me  instep. 

10 

7£  inches. 

10  inches. 

6|  inches. 

9 

7 

9|  * 

6i  " 

8 

6|  " 

H  " 

6£  " 

7 

6}  " 

9 

6  1-6  " 

6 

6  «* 

8|  44 

6 

5 

5|  44 

8J  " 

5  5-6  " 

4 

5|  « 

8  " 

5| 

3 

5 

7|  « 

5i  " 

2 

4|  « 

7J  - 

5J  " 

1 

4*  " 

7 

51-6  " 

0 

4 

6|  « 

5 

ON  CUTTING  PATTERNS. 


95 


Remarks. — The  toes  of  the  smallest  sizes  of  chil- 
dren's lasts  should  be  made  two  sizes  wider  propor- 
tionately, than  the  largest  size,  i.  e.,  one-sixth  of  an 
inch,  as  the  small  foot  is  wide  and  soft,  requiring 
more  room  for  its  expansion.  Thus  the  practical 
advantages  to  be  derived,  by  cutting  the  patterns  by 
the  packed  diagram  principle,  (No.  8,)  are  made 
clear,  as  the  foot  of  a  child  grows  faster  in  length 
than  in  width. 

By  the  foregoing  scale  the  length  of  the  foot  and 
other  measurements  in  inches,  and  all  shoes  from  the 
smallest  child's  to  men's  elevens,  are  obtained,  and  by 
following  the  same  rule,  smaller  or  larger  sizes  may 
be  cut. 

By  having  all  lasts,  diagrams,  and  patterns,  made 
by  the  scale,  and  all  proportions  of  fulness  of  lasts 
regularly  graded,  making  the  children's  much  the 
fullest  in  width,  owing  to  the  greater  degree  of  round- 
ness of  the  foot,  and  wider  in  proportion,  on  account 
of  rapid  growth.  In  preparing  patterns  for  children, 
due  allowance  must  be  made  for  the  increasing  ful- 
ness of  the  ankle.  The  same  caution  is  applicable 
to  misses,  but  not  to  so  great  a  degree. 

No.  6  is  the  side  view  of  a  gaiter  boot  upper,  with 
last  and  block,  giving  the  "  pitch  "  line,  concerning 
which  there  is  quite  a  diversity  of  opinion,  also  the 
heel  line,  instep,  waist  and  toes. 

By  measuring  the  instep  of  a  foot  with  callippers, 
one  half  of  the  distance  gives  the  centre.  Then 
take  the  thickness  of  the  large  toe  in  the  same  man- 
ner and  half  the  thickness  gives  the  centre  ;  then 
draw  a  line  from  that  to  the  instep  centre  —  carry 


HINTS  AND  INSTRUCTIONS 


5 


98 


HINTS  AND  INSTRUCTIONS 


the  line  a  short  distance  beyond,  to  where  the  callip- 
pers  strike  the  bottom  of  the  foot  just  in  front  of  the 
heel,  and  the  end  of  the  last,  (as  seen  by  a  dotted 
line  in  the  centre)  whatever  "  pitch  "  you  may  give 
the  toes.  The  "  pitch  "  is  governed  by  the  height  of 
the  heel  as  seen  in  No*.  3.  Boot  cutters  make  it  a 
convenient  practice  to  draw  from  that  centre,  a  per- 
pendicular, line  in  order  to  give  the  centre  of  the 
boot  leg  at  the  top,  and  all  is  governed  by  the  height 
of  the  heel. 

By  a  little  attention  to  the  front  line  (No.  7,) 
will  be  seen,  the  true  shape  of  a  boot  form  or  crimp, 
and  the  back  line,  the  boot  properly  treed ;  the  centre 
line,  the  seam.  By  passing  the  eye  up  the  instep 
measure  line,  at  the  top  is  seen  the  curve  that  the 
fulness  represents.  That  curve,  or  line,  from  the  toes 
to  the  ankle  line  is  carried  in,  or  out,  as  the  heel 
measure  may  determine.  By  having  a  pattern  of 
that  curved  line,  from  the  toes  to  the  ankle  line,  all 
the  variety  of  fulness  is  obtained,  as  is  readily  seen. 

The  ankle  measure  in  many  cases,  is  three-eights 
of  an  inch  shorter  in  a  direct  line  than  the  heel 
line  ;  that  is,  when  these  lines  are  doubled,  as  seen 
in  No.  7. 

Having  a  pattern  of  that  curve  line  from  the 
ankle  to  the  toes,  of  all  styles  and  varieties  of  boots 
and  shoes,  by  moving  it  out  in  the  same  direction  as 
the  heel  measure,  to  the  instep,  one-twelfth  of  an 
inch,  (as  that  is  a  size)  as  seen  in  Mr.  Parrott's  dil^ 
grain  for  cutting  uppers  ;  that  makes  it  a  size  fuller 
and  vice  versa.  As  that  curved  line  remains  the 
same  through  all  the  sizes,  by  having  that  pattern, 


ON  CUTTING  PATTERNS. 


99 


Fig.  7.— See  page  98. 


100 


HINTS  AND  INSTRUCTIONS 


and  one  side  of  it  properly  curved,  for  the  heel  line, 
and  a  portion  of  the  same  for  the  bottom  line  or 
curve,  and  those  lines  properly  divided  off  and  num- 
bered, for  each  size  of  any  desired  design,  by  that 
pattern  all  sizes  may  be  cut  with  ease  and  accuracy 
Some  have  their  several  patterns  fitted  for  the 
varieties  of  shoes  they  wish  to  manufacture.  For 
custom  work,  they  are  very  convenient.  As  the 
measure  of  the  foot  is  the  proper  guide,  draw  the 
bottom  line,  then  the  heel,  giving  it  the  position 
desired  for  the  shoe  or  boot,  then  the  width  of  the 
toes,  observing  their  elevation,  as  the  shoe  may  be 
heeled  or  not.  Then  apply  the  heel  measure  ;  draw 
the  instep  line  from  the  toes  to  the  ankle,  draw  a 
line  for,  or  from  the  toes  and  ankle,  and  you  have 
the  desired  result. 

Some  cutters  draw  only  one  instep  curve  line,  and 
make  one-third  of  a  size  allowance  for  the  length  on 
the  heel,  and  two-thirds  of  a  size  on  the  toes,  for 
each  size,  and  one-twelfth  of  an  inch  on  the  bottom 
at  the  heel,  and  a  little  more  on  the  toes.  It  pro- 
duces about  the  same  result,  regulating  the  height 
of  the  quarter  by  the  same  heel  scale,  as  fancy  may 
dictate. 

In  1832,  we  made  the  first  full  set  of  diagram 
patterns  that  we  ever  used  ;  since  that  time  the 
principle  has  spread  from  Maine  to  the  far  West,  and 
a  change  has  been  wrought  in  the  manufacture  of 
shoes  by  machinery  that  causes  the  old-fashioned 
manufacturers  to  blush  at  the  reflection  that  new 
tools,  new  machines,  new  ideas,  have  been  introduced 
successfully,  in  spite  of  their  determined  opposition. 


ON  CUTTING  PATTERNS. 


101 


But  it  must  be  confessed  that  a  great  proportion  of 
the  machines  and  tools  now  in  general  use,  are 
exceedingly  imperfect.  Most  of  the  really  important 
improvements  that  have  been  made,  are  the  products  of 
that  class  of  mechanics  who  have  brains,  but  shallow 
pockets.  The  ideal  must  always  precede  the  actual, 
and  the  poor  shoemaker  who  conceives  an  idea  that 
his  superior  genius  discovers  to  be  really  practical, 
is  too  often  regarded  as  an  idle  dreamer,  and  the  old 
adage  is  at  once  applied,  "  Ne  sutor  ultra  crepidam  " 
—  no  shoemaker  should  go  beyond  his  last. 

The  science  of  shoe  manufacturing  is  yet  to  be 
greatly  changed  and  improved.  There  is,  in  our 
opinion,  no  branch  of  the  mechanic  arts  more  suscep- 
tible of  improvement  than  this  ;  we  mean  in  the 
process  of  manufacture,  none  that  admits  of  more 
machinery  and  tools.  All  parts  of  the  stock  can  be 
cut  and  fitted  by  machinery,  far  superior  to  the  hand 
methods.  The  rounding  of  pump  out-soles,  feather 
edging,  the  pricking  of  holes  or  stitches,  all  in-soles 
for  welted  boots  or  shoes,  can  be  fitted  precisely  alike. 
All  this  work  should  be  done  by  the  "  Boss  "  before 
the  work  is  distributed  to  the  workmen,  then,  of 
course,  the  sha*  of  the  shoe  and  edges  would  pre- 
sent a  uniform  appearance. 

The  foregoing  suggestions  may  be  questioned  by 
those  who  have  little  perception  and  less  knowledge, 
but  nevertheless,  the  march  of  progress  will  surely 
witness  factories  arranged  with  perfected  machinery, 
so  that  all  parts  of  the  work  will  be  done  under  the 
supervision  of  skilful  and  practical  workmen.  By 
improved  processes  of  manufacture,  boots  and  shoes 


102 


CUTTING  PATTERNS. 


will  be  made  durable  and  firm  as  the  stock  will  admit, 
and  the  finish  will  far  exceed  that  now  produced  by 
the  ordinary  methods,  while  those  who  take  the  lead 
in  the  market,  by  the  facilities  they  possess,  will  be , 
able  to  introduce  and  form  the  prevailing  styles  or 
fashions.  There  are  many  obvious  advantages  which 
readily  suggest  themselves,  to  be  gained  by  the 
introduction  of  improved  machinery  which  we  have 
not  space  to  enumerate. 

In  collecting  the  "  Hint's  and  Facts,''  here  pre- 
sented, we  have  carefully  considered  the  subject,  and 
examined  those  tools  and  machinery  that  are  now 
in  general  use  in  this  country  ;  also  the  drawings  of 
many  and  various  machines,  tools,  etc.,  that  have 
been  published  in  England  and  France.  From  these 
sources,  and  our  general  observations,  experiments, 
etc.,  we  are  fully  convinced  that  the  day  is  not  far 
distant  when  marked  and  beneficial  changes  will  be 
sxiccessfully  introduced  into  this  all-important  branch 
of  the  mechanic  arts.  We  will  here  remark,  that 
in  conversation  with  very  many  of  our  most  en- 
ergetic and  leading  shoe  manufacturers,  we  have 
found  the  most  sanguine  believers  in  the  various  im- 
provements suggested.  New  and  improved  machinery 
for  sewed,  pegged  and  cemented  work;  cements  for 
rubber  compounds,  gutta-percha  and  chemical  unions, 
are  now  being  successfully  introduced,  together  with 
new  tanning  combinations,  all  of  which  are  yet  to 
take  a  prominent  and  important  place  in  the  manu- 
facture of  boots  and  shoes. 


CHAPTER  III. 


INSTRUCTIONS 

FOR  THE 

Manufacture  of  French  Custom  Boots,  Shoes,  and  Gaiters. 

BY  FREDERICK  LAUGENBECK. 

First,  place  the  foot  to  be  measured  upon  a  sheet 
of  white  paper.  Mark  around  the  foot  with  a  long 
pencil,  being  careful  to  hold  it  in  a  perpendicular 
position.  Next,  take  the  circumference  across  the 
ball  and  instep  with  a  tape  measure.  Next  measure 
the  heel  and  calf. 

For  calf  boots,  the  boot  must  be  one-fourth  of  an 
inch  widerjm  the  heel  than  the  foot,  and  the  ankle 
one-fourth  of  an  inch  less  than  the  heel  measure. 

CALF-LIKE  MEASURE  OF  THE  LEG.  —  LAST  MEASURE. 

The  last  must  be  one  and  one-half  of  a  size 
longer  than  the  foot,  and  as  wide  as  the  widest  part 
of  the  foot. 

For  stubb  toes,  the  last  should  be  one  size  longer. 

Proper  allowance  should  be  made  for  corns.  Place 
a  round  knob  made  of  leather,  or  any  other  suitable 
substance,  on  the  last,  just  the  size  of  the  corn,  or 
enlargement,  on  one  or  both  sides  of  the  last,  accord- 
ing to  circumstances. 

103 


104 


INSTRUCTIONS. 


The  instep  must  be  one-eighth  of  an  inch  less  than 
measure. 

For  a  sound,  healthy  foot,  make  the  last  one-fourth 
of  an  inch  less  on  the  ball,  and  three-eighths  of  an 
inch  less  on  the  instep. 

Patent  leather  boots,  around  the  ankle  must  be  full 
with  the  measure  as  the  stitches  contract, 

INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  LASTING  BOOTS. 

If  a  boot  is  well  cut,  and  not  properly  lasted,  the 
boot  will  not  Jit. 

Soak  the  counters  well  in  water.  Paste  between 
each. 

Draw  the  uppers  smoothly  over  the  last,  as  tightly 
as  the  leather  will  bear. 

In  drawing  the  uppers  over  the  last,  the  counter 
should  be  left  about  half  way  into  its  place  or 
position. 

After  the  uppers  are  well  lasted  over  the  ball,  then 
drive  the  heel  last  doivn  to  its  place. 

Now  commence  to  last  the  boot  in  the  shank ; 
smooth  either  side  alternately,  towards  the  toe,  until 
it  fits  smoothly. 

Remarks. — Judgment  should  always  be  used  in  the 
manufacture  of  boots  or  shoes  for  tender  feet.  No  spe- 
cific directions  can  be  given  ;  the  good  sense  and  dis- 
cretion of  the  artizan  will  suggest  such  modifications 
of  the  rules  as  the  case  requires.  The  instructions 
given  concerning  "  corns,"  will  usually  correct  the 
difficulty,  but  in  cases  of  general  tenderness  of  the 
feet,  the  alterations  must  be  made  throughout. 


INSTRUCTIONS. 


105 


Around  the  heel,  the  patent  leather  boot  should 
be  three-eighths  of  an  inch  larger  than  is  the  calf 
boot. 

SHOES. 

The  last  should  be  two  sizes  longer  than  the  foot 
in  order  to  secure  comfort.  The  reason  is  obvious  ; 
the  foot  works  farther  into  the  shoe,  than  in  the  boot. 

The  last,  at  the  instep,  should  be  as  wide  as  the 
foot,  because  the  stitching  contracts  the  leather ; 
otherwise  the  shoe  will  cause  great  discomfort.  The 
shoe  should  be  made  one-fourth  of  an  inch  less  than 
measure  across  the  ball  of  the  foot. 

GAITER  BOOTS. 

The  last  should  be  made  the  same  as  for  calf- 
skin boots,  whether  patent  leather,  or  other  material. 

PREPARATION  OF  STOCK. 

Soak  the  leather  well  in  water.  Remove  all  the 
fleshy  substance,  from  stock  of  every  description. 

Draw  the  in-sole  well  over  the  last.  Let  it  remain 
until  nearly  dry.  Hammer  the  in-sole  after  removal. 
Next,  cut  the  in-sole  as  required  ;  by  the  sole  thus 
prepared,  cut  the  other  sole. 

The  remainder  of  the  stock  should  be  nearly  dry 
before  cutting  up. 

TO  PREVENT  SQUEAKING. 

Ruff  the  soles  with  a  rasp,  then  paste  between 
them.  Put  every  piece  comprising  the  heel  on  sep- 
arately, rasp  every  lift,  and  paste  as  before. 


BOOK  III 


CHAPTER  I. 

DISCOVERY 

OF  THE 

SULPHURIZATION  AND  VULCANIZATION  OF  INDIA-RUBBER 

IN  AMERICA. 

It  may  be  safely  stated  that  no  chemical  discovery 
within  the  last  century,  has  produced  such  wonderful 
results  as  those  here  alluded  to.  From  being  a  sim- 
ple gum,  the  use  of  which  was  limited  to  the  erasure 
of  the  school  boy's  blunder,  or  the  merchant's  mis- 
takes, India-rubber,  by  the  process  of  vulcanization, 
has  become  one  of  our  most  important  articles  of 
commerce.  It  is  one  of  the  most  wonderful  products 
of  nature  that  has  ever  been  applied  to  the  arts. 

The  first  attempt  to  manufacture  caoutchouc  or 
India-rubber  into  clothing,  and  articles  of  daily  use 
in  this  country,  was  upon  the  discovery  that  the 
essential  oils  was  a  dissolvent  of  the  gum  sufficient  to 

106 


VULCANIZATION  OF  INDTA-RUBBER.  107 

spread  it  upon  cloth.  This  was  the  beginning  of  the 
excitement.  The  idea  of  making  water-proof  cloth- 
ing took  possession  of  the  public  mind  at  once.  This 
was  about  the  year  1834.  Spirits  of  turpentine  was 
the  cheapest  and  most  effectual  solvent.  A  company 
organized  and  established  a  large  manufactory  in 
Roxbury,  Mass.,  and  the  shares  at  $100  par  value 
soon  went  up  in  the  market  to  3  or  4  hundred. 

It  was  soon  found  however,  that  they  had  not  suf- 
ficiently investigated  the  matter.  In  a  few  months, 
or  perhaps  weeks,  the  manufactured  articles  which  at 
first  presented  a  substantial  face  became  soft  again 
and  adhesive,  so  much  so  that  masses  of  clothes 
adhered  together  and  became  almost  a  solid  body. 
But  the  excitement  continued  as  the  real  facts  were 
not  made  known  to  the  public ;  companies  were  , 
formed,  and  factories  were  erected  to  a  considerable 
extent  before  the  bubble  burst. 

The  discovery  of  sulphurization  in  the  United 
States  was  made  about  the  year  1835,  by  Mr.  Nathl. 
Hay  ward,  a  native  of  Easton,  Mass.  Mr.  Hayward 
was  at  this  time  a  resident  of  Boston,  the  proprietor 
of  a  livery  stable.  Being  of  an  inventive  turn,  his 
mind  for  a  long  time  had  been  revolving  the  idea  of 
applying  some  substance  which  would  remove  the 
cause  of  the  adhesiveness  of  the  manufactured  article 
so  fatal  to  the  success  of  this  great  enterprise.  Not 
possessing  a  thorough  knowledge  of  chemicals  or 
their  compounds,  Mr.  Hayward  purchased  at  random 
a  great  variety  of  drugs  to  mix  with  the  dissolved 
rubber.  These  he  placed  in  the  sun  hoping  that  he 
might,  by  chance    hit  upon  that  substance  which 


108 


VULCANIZATION  OF  INDIA-RUBBER. 


would  cause  the  rubber  to  become  hard  and  retain 
its  consistency.  White  lead,  and  all  other  substances 
which  possessed  the  virtue  of  "  driers  "  were  success- 
ively subjected  to  his  alembic.  For  months  Mr.  Hay- 
ward  prosecuted  his  investigations,  but  hitherto  with- 
out success.  Finally,  becoming  discouraged,  he  one 
day  collected  all  the  various  drugs,  etc.,  which  he 
had  purchased,  and  threw  them  indiscriminately  into 
a  boiler,  happening  to  have  some  sulphur  in  hand 
which  he  had  procured  for  his  horses,  he  mixed  that 
in  with  the  rest.  Nil  desperandum —  the  result  of 
this  experiment  was  the  key  to  the  long  sought  for 
secret.  A  fine  substantial  India-rubber  cloth  was 
produced  free  from  stickiness,  and  presenting  the 
peculiar  appearance  of  sulphurized  rubber. 

The  result  was  produced,  but  which  of  the  agencies 
had  caused  this  wonderful  transformation  ?  For 
months  Mr.  Hayward  pursued  his  investigations, 
until  at  length  the  mystery  was  unveiled.  Thus  by 
accident  was  this  important  discovery  made. 

Yet  another  discovery  was  necessary  in  order  to 
fully  complete  the  magnificent  results  which  Hayward 
had  developed.  Sulphurized  goods  were  found  to 
emit  a  very  unpleasant  odor,  and  what  was  of  still 
greater  importance,  the  goods  became  rigid  in  cold 
weather,  and  loose  and  elastic  in  warm  weather. 
These  objections  must  be  removed,  or  the  discoveries 
of  Hayward  would  lose  their  chief  importance.  Vul- 
canization, subsequently  discovered  by  Goodyear,  was 
the  important  element  to  be  applied.  To  Hayward 
and  Goodyear  conjointly  is  the  world  indebted  for 


VULCANIZATION  OF  INDIA-RUBBER.  109 

the  benefits  which  have  followed  as  a  sequence  to 
their  discoveries.  They  stand  like  the  Siamese  twins 
connected  by  reciprocal  inventive  faculties,  the  one 
equally  dependent  upon  the  other  for  the  success 
which  has  crowned  their  united  efforts.  The  intelli- 
gent reader  cannot  fail  to  see  the  relative  importance 
which  the  one  holds  to  the  other,  and  how  admirably 
the  genius  of  Goodyear  completed  what  the  untiring 
energy  of  Hayward  first  disclosed.  This  much  is 
necessary  at  this  point  to  introduce  the  reader  to 
what  follows  concerning  vulcanization. 

On  the  24th  day  of  February,  1839,  Mr.  Hayward 
secured  a  patent  for  vulcanizing  India-rubber  by 
means  of  sulphur,  which  patent  was  assigned  to 
Charles  Goodyear — a  man  of  shrewd  and  future 
grasping  mind.  Some  idea  of  the  importance  of  this 
improvement  may  be  formed  from  the  fact  that  it  has 
been  a  subject  of  continual  litigation  for  a  number  of 
years ;  yea,  almost  since  the  day  the  patent  was 
issued.  It  is  the  real  vulcanizing  substance  now 
used  in  the  manfacture  of  India-rubber  fabrics  of 
every  description.  The  claim  is  in  these  words:  "the 
combining  of  sulphur  with  gum-elastic,  whether  in 
solution  or  in  substance,  either  by  mixing  with  the 
digested  India-rubber,  kneading  it,  or  sprinkling  it 
on  the  surface  of  sheets  and  pressing  it  in." 

At  the  time  of  the  famous  contest  between  Good- 
year and  Day,  testimony  was  produced  by  which  it 
was  endeavored  to  be  proved  that  the  vulcanization 
of  India-rubber  was  discovered  in  Germany  by  F. 
Luedersdorff,  six  years  before  Hayward's  patent  was 


110  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  SULPHUPJZATION 


granted.  Some  doubts  have  been  expressed  con- 
cerning the  statement.  Whether  true  or  false,  we 
cannot  see  why  the  circumstance  should  detract  in 
the  least  from  the  claims  or  position  of  Mr.  Hay  ward, 
inasmuch  as  it  is  very  conclusive  that  his  discovery 
was  purely  accidental, 

A  Prussian  pamphlet  published  at  Berlin  in  1832, 
describes  the  experiments  made  by  F.  Luedersdorff 
with  India-rubber,  and  the  production  of  sulphurized 
India-rubber  compounds.  The  Scientific  American 
in  speaking  upon  this  subject,  and  combating  the 
claims  of  the  learned  Prussian  has  the  following :  — 

"  The  clamminess  of  dissolved  India-rubber,  and 
its  tendency  to  decomposition  are  attributed  to  its 
resinous  properties.  On  page  28,  the  following  lan- 
guage occurs :  £  After  a  long  series  of  experiments, 
in  which  neither  deodorizing  or  oxidizing  substances, 
neither  alkalies,  nor  mechanical  means,  which  affected 
the  speedy  drying,  produced  the  desired  result;  I 
succeeded  at  last  in  finding  in  sulphur  the  substance, 
which  even  in  very  small  quantities,  perfectly  pre- 
vented the  injurious  effect  of  the  resinous  aggrega- 
tion.' Instructions  are  given  how  to  prepare  the 
sulphur  solution,  by  heating  and  stirring  three  parts 
of  flour  sulphur  in  one  hundred  parts  of  rectified  oil 
of  turpentine,  bringing  them  to  a  boiling  heat,  then 
dissolving  the  India-rubber  in  the  solution.  By  tlay- 
ward's  patent,  one  teaspoonful  of  sulphur  was  mixed 
with  that  quantity  of  oil  of.  turpentine  required  to 
dissolve  a  pound  of  India-rubber,  and  in  this  respect, 
there  is  little  difference  between  his  method  and  that 


AND  VULCANIZATION  OF  INDIA-RUBBER.  Ill 

of  the  Prussian  doctor.  It  is  the  sulphur  which  is 
the  grand  agent  in  the  production  of  vulcanized  India- 
rubber,  no  matter  how  combined,  in  solution,  or  with 
India-rubber  softened  by  heat.  Leave  sulphur  out  of 
the  question,  and  we  would  have  no  vulcanized  India- 
rubber  fabrics. 

"  The  question  now  arises,  what  reliance  is  there  to 
be  placed  upon  the  authenticity  of  this  pamphlet, 
published  six  years  before  Hay  ward's  patent  was 
obtained  ?  We  have  been  assured  that  the  original 
work  is  in  the  College  Library,  at  Providence,  R.  L; 
but  it  is  rather  singular,  that  in  the  many  controver- 
sies on  this  subject,  and  the  numerous  suits  at  law 
which  have  taken  place,  respecting  the  originality  of 
the  invention,  that  such  information  was  not  pro- 
duced as  testimony  before  some  tribunal. 

"  That  Dr.  Luedersdorff  made  the  experiments  de- 
scribed, we  will  assume  to  be  true  in  every  respect, 
but  neither  is  our  country  or  any  other  indebted  to 
him  in  the  least,  for  the  introduction  and  success  of 
India-rubber  manufactures.  To  A.merican  inventors 
alone,  is  the  world  indebted  for  the  invention  of  vul- 
canized India-rubber.  Hayward  was  no  doubt  totally 
ignorant  of  the  Prussian  doctor's  experiments;  he 
probably  could  not  read  German ;  he  made  the  dis- 
covery of  sulphurized  India-rubber  by  his  own  efforts, 
and  he  is  an  original  inventor,  in  this  sense  of  the 
term." 

TVe  have  thus  given  a  brief  account  of  this  remark- 
able discovery.  Heretofore  but  little  has  been  writ- 
ten or  published  upon  the  discovery,  and  the  subse- 


112  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  RULPHURIZATTON 

quent  inventions  to  which  it  gave  rise.  The  books 
which  have  been  published  have  carefully  avoided 
full  and  complete  statements  or  facts,  and  have  con- 
tained little  or  no  information  of  value,  but  on  the 
contrary,  have  seemed,  at  least,  to  deal  in  generali- 
ties calculated  to  befog  and  mislead. 

In  the  long  and  tedious  trials  which  tasked  the 
ingenuity  and  power  of  Webster  and  Choate,  it  was 
clearly  proven  that  the  articles  claimed  to  be  made 
by  specifications  there  introduced,  could  not  be  manu- 
factured by  such  compounds.  To  all  who  are  inter- 
ested in  the  facts,  etc.,  elicited  upon  these  celebrated 
trials,  we  would  refer  them  to  "  Day's  Bible "  if 
obtainable,  containing  the  Genesis  and  Revelation  of 
all  that  could  then  be  said  or  written  upon  the  sub- 
ject. 

"The  profits  on  the  India-rubber  business  will  reach 
almost  two  millions  of  dollars  in  the  year,  and  the 
present  manufactories  cannot  supply  the  demand. 
Shoes  which  weigh  nine  ounces  per  pair  have  only 
about  three  and  a  half  ounces  of  rubber,  the  other 
materials  being  worth  only  from  one  to  six  cents  per 
pound.  One  girl  can  make  from  twenty  to  thirty 
pairs  per  day,  hence,  enormous  profits  have  been 
derived  by  the  manufacturers  of  such  goods.  The 
best  valve  packing  is  made  of  30  lbs.  of  India-rubber, 
6  lbs.  of  lampblack,  22  lbs.  red  or  white  lead,  and 
22  oz.  of  sulphur ;  these  metalizing  substances  are 
all  very  cheap.  India-rubber  is  easily  rendered  plas- 
tic, and  combines  readily  with  almost  every  substance, 
such  as  the  oxides  of  metal,  clay,  pulverized  sand? 
gums,  carbon,  sawdust,  ground  cork,  &c.    It  is,  cer- 


AND  VULCANIZATION  OP  INDIA-RUBBER .  113 

tainly,  one  of  the  most  wondeiful  and  useful  products 
of  nature  that  has  ever  been  applied  to  the  arts." 

The  importance  of  the  discovery  of  the  vulcaniza- 
tion of  India-rubber  to  the  world,  can  hardly  be  over- 
estimated, whether  regarded  in  the  light  of  science, 
or  political  economy.  But  comparatively  few  years 
have  elapsed  since  its  highest  uses  were  discovered 
and  applied ;  and  even  now,  with  all  the  success 
which  has  thus  far  crowned  the  efforts  of  those 
engaged  in  its  development,  it  is  yet  in  its  infancy. 
Like  many  of  the  most  important  discoveries  in  the 
mechanic  arts,  that  of  vulcanization  was  imperfectly 
applied,  and  millions  of  dollars  were  expended  in  the 
manufacture  of  improperly  vulcanized  goods,  mills, 
machinery,  fc&c. 

No  sooner  had  the  practicability  of  manufacturing 
boots  and  shoes  from  India  rubber  been  demonstrated, 
than  the  attention  of  capitalists,  and  inventors,  was 
turned  to  this  new  field  of  enterprise.  Without 
stopping  to  test  the  nature  of  the  gum  which  was  to 
be  moulded  in  golden  ingots,  via.,  the  manufacture 
of  boots,  shoes,  etc.,  and  the  effect  of  the  seasons 
upon  the  manufactured  articles,  the  anxious  specula- 
tor, and  the  enthusiastic  manufacturer  plunged  boldly 
into  the  sea  of  trade.  All  classes  became  interested 
in  its  success,  stock  companies  were  formed,  the 
shares  of  which  were  eagerly  snatched  up,  and  visions 
of  untold  profits  were  divided  in  anticipation.  But 
the  "  bubble "  soon  burst,  goods  manufactured  and 
solarized  in  April,  became  a  sticky  mass  of  useless 
rubbish  in  July.    The  warm  weather  literally  melted 


114 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  SULPHUMZATION 


the  hopes  and  expectations  of  the  incautious  adven- 
turer. A  panic  was  the  consequence,  mills  were 
abandoned,  thousands  of  artizans  were  suddenly 
thrown  out  of  employment,  and  this  vast  field  of 
enterprise  so  promising  but  a  few  months  before,  was 
swept  as  by  a  hurricane.  Hundreds  of  thousands  of 
tons  of  India-rubber,  both  raw  and  prepared  were 
either  given  away,  or  sold  at  ruinous  sacrifices.  Hill- 
tops blazed  with  its  ignited  masses,  and  the  illumina- 
tions of  the  fourth  of  July  succeeding  the  failure, 
were  made  unusually  brilliant  by  the  aid  of  the 
India-rubber  panic. 

As  before  intimated,  the  cause  of  this  great  loss  of 
money  and  material,  originated  in  the  "  indecent 
haste "  of  the  manufacturer.  In  the  first  place, 
solarization,  that  is  heating  in  the  sun  the  cloth,  or 
other  substance  upon  which  the  gum  or  compound  of 
rubber,  and  some  foreign  substances  was  spread,  was 
an  imperfect  process,  as  the  heat  of  the  sun  was  not 
sufficiently  powerful  to  evaporate  the  solvent,  and 
fo.m  a  chemical  union  between  the  sulphur  and  the 
rubber,  which  union  constitutes  perfect  vulcanization. 

The  unfortunate  result  of  the  "  experiment  "  was 
so  dearly  purchased,  that  all  who  were  engaged  in 
the  traffic,  abandoned  it  without  an  attempt  to  *profit 
by  experience.  It  is  at  this  point  that  we  introduce 
Mr.  Charles  Goodyear,  a  man  of  observation,  possess- 
ing a  larger  share  of  perseverance  than  is  usually 
found  in  any  single  invidual,  together  with  fair  inven- 
tive genius.  He  saw  the  sad  results  of  that  zeal 
which  is  without  knowledge,  and  resolved  to  find  if 
possible,  the  thread  which  should  guide  him  safely 


AND  VULCANIZATION  OF  INDIA-RUBBER.  115 

through  the  labyrinth  of  this  mystery.  He  undertook 
the  task  alone,  as  the  severe  reverses  which  had  vis- 
ited the  pioneers  in  the  movement,  had  disgusted 
them  with  further  attempts  to  correct,  what  appeared 
to  be  insurmountable  objections.  Mr.  Goodyear 
seemed  to  be  impressed  with  the  idea  that  nature 
never  plays  practical  jokes,  and  that  what  had  already 
been  acomplished  in  the  uses  of  rubber  was  simply 
an  earnest  of  what  might  be  realized.  Acting  upon 
this  conjecture,  we  see  him  devoting  himself  to  the 
elucidation  of  the  mysterious  problem.  Two  impor- 
tant points  were  to  be  gained.  To  those  acquainted 
with  the  India-rubber  or  gum-elastic,  it  is  well  known 
that  after  it  has  been  subjected  to  a  certain  tension 
for  any  considerable  time,  it  loses  its  elasticity  ;  also, 
that  during  hot  weather  it  melts  and  becomes  sticky 
;)r  adhesive,  and  in  cold  weather  becomes  stiff  and 
rigid,  and  correspondingly  less  pliable.  These  impor- 
tant, in  fact,  fatal  objections  must  be  removed,  or 
India-rubber  would  bacome  comparatively  valueless. 
Mr.  Goodyear  engaged  in  the  work  with  all  the 
enthusiasm  of  his  nature,  and  notwithstanding  he 
was  without  money,  and  the  sympathy  of  friends,  and 
was  frequently  the  subject  of  privations,  hardships, 
and  imprisonments,  still  he  labored  on,  as  though  a 
presentiment  of  the  discovery  of  the  long  sought  for 
secret  was  continually  before  him,  encouraging  him 
to  work  and  he  should  finally  triumph.  His  persis- 
tent efforts  were  finally  successful.  The  admixture 
of  sulphur  with  the  gum  at  a  heat  of  about  270°, 
was  the  "  open  sesame "  to  the  treasures  which  he 
ultimately  realized  in  the  prosecution  of  his  labors. 


116  DISCOVERT  OF  THE  SULPHURIZATION 

The  Commissioner  of  Patents  of  the  United  States, 
the  Hon.  Joseph  Holt,  in  his  late  decision  upon  the 
"  extension  "  of  the  Goodyear  Patent,  thus  eloquently 
discourses  concerning  the  early  efforts  of  Mr.  Good- 
year, in  the  search  of  his  ultimately  wonderful  dis- 
covery. 

"  As  early  as  1834-'5,  Mr.  Goodyear  seems  to  have 
formed  a  most  exalted  estimate  of  the  capabilities,  as 
a  material  for  manufacture,  of  the  gum  known  as 
caoutchouc  or  India-rubber.  This  gum  had  been 
previously  extensively  employed  in  the  fabrication  of 
a  variety  of  articles,  but,  owing  to  their  indifferent 
quality,  all  concerned  in  these  enterprises,  as  well  as 
in  those  which  followed  for  a  series  of  years  after- 
ward, were  involved  in  bankruptcy  and  ruin.  The 
fabrics  thus  made  could  not  keep  the  market,  because 
they  were  found  to  grow  rigid  under  the  influence  of 
cold,  and  to  soften  and  become  sticky  under  that  of 
heat,  while  they  rapidly  decomposed  when  brought 
into  contact  with  perspiration  and  the  animal  oils. 
The  applicant  was  thoroughly  convinced  that  these 
qualities,  which  had  proved  so  disastrous  to  the  trade, 
could  be  removed,  and  he  set  himself  resolutely  to 
work  to  ascertain  the  process  for  accomplishing  this 
result.  Sulphur  had  already  been  advantageously 
combined  with  India-rubber  by  Hayward,  so  that  the 
discovery  had  been  approached  to  its  very  verge. 
The  step,  however,  which  remained  to  be  taken,  short 
as  it  was,  was  indispensable,  and  without  it  all  those 
which  had  preceded  it  would  have  been  unavailing. 
Science  could  afford  but  little  assistance  in  the 


AND  VULCANIZATION  OF  INDIA-RUBBER.  117 

inquiry,  for,  as  the  event  proved,  the  most  potent 
element  in  the  process  was  too  subtle  to  be  disclosed 
by  the  severest  chemical  analysis.  The  applicant 
had  therefore  to  pursue  the  investigation  gropingly ; 
but  he  persisted  in  it  with  an  ardor  and  a  courage 
which  nothing  could  abate  or  daunt.  His  aim  was 
definite,  his  conviction  as  to  its  attainability  com- 
plete. As  one  who  searches  for  a  hidden  treasure  in 
a  field  where  he  knows  it  is  to  be  found,  so  pursued 
he  his  explorations  in  quest  of  this  secret.  He  sought 
it  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left,  by  day  and 
by  night,  in  the  midst  of  ceaseless  toil  and  lavish 
expenditure,  and  by  the  light  of  every  form  of  exper- 
iment which  his  most  fertile  genius  and  daring  spirit 
could  suggest.  He  became  completely  master  of 
everything  known  in  regard  to  the  properties  of  the 
material  which  it  was  his  ambition  to  improve,  and 
so  thoroughly  was  he  imbued  with  the  soul  of  his 
inquiry,  and  so  intensely  quickened  was  his  vigilance, 
that  no  phenomenon,  however  minute,  could  meet 
his  eye,  no  sound,  however  faint,  could  fall  upon  his 
ear,  without  his  at  once  detecting  and  appreciating 
its  bearing  upon  the  great  problem  whose  solution  he 
was  seeking.  From  four  to  five  years  were  passed  in 
these  unremitted  labors,  when  an  incident  occurred 
which  at  once  revealed  the  long  sought  truth.  And 
it  is  a  singular  coincidence,  that  the  spark  of  light 
yielded  by  this  incident,  was  elicited  by  a  collision, 
so  to  speak,  the  result  of  that  intense  zeal  which,  so 
far  as  health  and  fortune  were  concerned,  had  been 
the  consuming  fire  of  his  life.  In  one  of  those  ani- 
mated conversations  so  habitual  to  him,  in  reference 


118  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  SULPHURIZATION 

to  his  experiments,  a  piece  of  India-rubber  combined 
with  sulphur,  which  he  held  in  his  hand  as  the  text 
of  all  his  discourses,  was  by  a  violent  gesture  thrown 
into  a  burning  stove  near  which  he  was  standing. 
When  taken  out,  after  having  been  subjected  to  a 
high  degree  of  heat,  he  saw,  what  it  may  be  safely 
affirmed  would  have  escaped  the  notice  of  all  others 
—  that  a  complete  transformation  had  taken  place, 
and  that  an  entirely  new  product  —  since  so  felici- 
tously termed  "  elastic  metal"  — was  the  consequence. 
When  subjected  to  further  tests,  the  thrilling  convic- 
tion burst  upon  him  that  success  had  at  length  crown- 
ed his  efforts,  and  that  the  mystery  he  had  so  long 
wooed,  now  stood  unveiled  before  him.  His  history 
in  this  respect  is  altogether  parallel  with  that  of  the 
greatest  inventors  and  discoverers  who  have  preceded 
him.  The  lamp  had  swung  for  centuries  in  the 
Cathedral  of  Pisa,  but  of  the  thronging  multitudes 
who  worshipped  there,  none  had  heeded  the  lessons 
which  it  taught.  It  was  reserved  for  the  profound 
and  observant  intellect  of  young  Galileo  to  extract 
from  its  oscillations  the  true  laws  of  the  pendulum, 
which  led  to  the  creation  of  an  infallible  measure  of 
time.  The  theory  of  universal  gravitation  loses  noth- 
ing of  its  grandeur  or  value  because  suggested  by  the 
falling  of  an  apple  from  the  tree.  In  all  lands,  by 
teeming  millions,  this  phenomenon  had  been  observed, 
but  to  none  had  it  imparted  instruction  —  to  none 
had  it  spoken  of  that  wonderful  secret  which  lurked 
beneath  its  simple  features.  At  length  its  "  still 
small  voice  "  fell  upon  the  delicate  and  appreciative 
ear  of  one  whom  it  startled  into  inquiry.    The  light 


AND  VULCANIZATION  OF  INDIA-RUBBER.  119 

thus  afforded,  to  which  all  had  been  blind,  was  indeed 
dim  and  twinkling ;  but,  following  its  guidance,  as 
one  who  traces  back  the  dawn,  the  great  Newton  soon 
plunged  into  the  full-orbed  splendors  of  a  discovery 
confessedly  the  most  brilliant  which  has  gilded  and 
ennobled  the  annals  of  science.  On  all  the  hearth- 
stones of  the  civilized  world,  for  thousands  of  years 
the  kettle  had  boiled  and  lifted  its  lid  by  the  expan- 
sive power  of  its  steam  ;  yet  for  none  had  this  seem- 
ingly trite  and  ever-recurrent  incident  been  signifi- 
cant —  to  none  had  it  announced  that  measureless 
power  of  which  it  was  the  humble  but  distinct  expo- 
nent. At  length  the  movement  caught  the  eye  of  a 
lonely  student  of  nature,  then  a  prisoner  in  the  Tower 
of  London,  and  in  the  soil  of  his  prolific  mind  it  prov- 
ed the  rapidly  expanding  germ  of  that  steam-engine 
whose  triumphs  have  changed  the  social,  political, 
and  commercial  aspects  of  the  globe.  So  India-rub- 
ber in  combination  with  sulphur  may  by  accident 
have  been  exposed  to  a  high  degree  of  heat  often 
before  without  attracting  the  attention  of  any ;  and 
it  is  safe  to  allege  that  it  might  have  been  thus  expos- 
ed a  thousand  times  afterwards,  without  the  world's 
having  been  wiser  or  wealthier  for  it.  The  thorough 
self-culture  and  training  of  the  applicant  and  his 
unwearied  researches  prepared  him  at  once  to  seize 
upon,  to  comprehend  and  embody  in  a  practical  form, 
the  truth  he  sought,  the  moment  it  presented  itself, 
no  matter  how  dimly,  to  him.  This  was  his  merit 
—  the  same  in  kind  with  that  of  the  most  illustrious 
inventors  who  have  appeared  in  the  world,  and  by 
that  of  but  a  few  of  them  surpassed  in  degree.    It  is 


120  DISCOVERY  OF  THE  3ULPHURTZATION 


a  figure  of  speech — but  an  exalted  mode  of  expres- 
sion —  which  assigns  to  man  any  part  in  the  work  of 
creation" 

The  importance  of  this  discovery  is  well  under- 
stood. -  Gum-elastic  is  thereby  made  permanently 
elastic — it  resists  exposure  to  heat  and  cold  —  is 
elastic  under  compression  —  is  impervious  to  wet  — 
resists  the  action  of  solvents  to  a  remarkable  degree, 
and  the  attacks  of  vermin  of  all  kinds.  It  can  be 
moulded  into  almost  every  conceivable  shape  for  use, 
or  beauty.  In  the  mechanical  arts  it  has  been  sub- 
jected to  a  thousand  uses,  with  remarkable  success. 
And  here  we  may  remark  en-passant,  that  gutta-per- 
cha was  discovered  subsequently,  and  is  already  a 
formidable  rival  of  India-rubber  inasmuch  as  the 
latter  is  affected  by  oils,  and  will,  in  a  short  time, 
•except  as  a  hard  gum,  become  decomposed,  whereas 
the  former  (gutta-percha)  is  not  affected  in  the  least 
by  oils  or  acids,  in  its  pure  state  ;  and  here  is  the 
grand  secret  of  the  failure  of  those  shoe  manufactur- 
ers, who,  ignorant  of  the  fact  that  those  shoes  or 
boots  cemented  by  a  rubber  filament  would  in  a  short 
time  become  useless,  owing  to  the  decomposition  of  the 
cement  caused  by  the  oil  in  the  leather,  were  induced 
to  make  heavy  outlays  in  the  fitting  up  of  large  man- 
ufacturing establishments  which  were  finally  aban- 
doned from  this  cause  alone.  Gutta-percha  is  a 
firmer  and  more  consistent  gum  than  India-rubber. 
Gutta-percha  when  placed  in  boiling  water  contracts 
considerably  in  bulk,  while  India-rubber  expands. 
Gutta-percha  juice,  when  taken  from  the  fire,  is  of 


AND  VULCANIZATION  OF  INDIA-RUBBER.  121 


a  dark  brown  color,  and  consolidates  in  a  few  mo- 
ments, and  becomes  hard  like  wood.  India-rubber 
sap  is  perfectly  white,  and  has  the  appearance  of 
thick  cream  ;  when  it  coagulates,  it  gives  from  four 
to  six  parts  water  out  of  ten.  Gutta-percha  first 
treated  with  water,  alcohol,  and  ether,  and  dissolved 
with  spirits  of  turpentine  and  precipitated,  yields  a 
substance  consistent  with  the  common  properties  of 
gutta-percha ;  but  India-rubber  similarly  treated, 
results  in  a  substance  resembling  in  appearance 
gum  arabic. 

Gutta-percha  by  distillation  yields  57  §  per  cent,  of 
volatile  matter ;  India-rubber  by  the  same  process, 
yields  85|  per  cent. 

But  Mr.  Goodyear's  discoveries  of  vulcanization, 
as  applied  to  the  softer  elastic  compounds,  did  not 
end  there.  He  continued  his  experiments  for  the 
space  of  five  years  from  the  time  of  his  first  grand 
discovery,  when  he  obtained  his  patent  for  Vulcan- 
ized Hard  Rubber.  This  invention  was  the  crowning 
result  of  his  long,  patient,  and  laborious  researches. 

Probably  the  entire  history  of  inventions  cannot 
furnish  an  instance  of  more  intense  self-sacrificing, 
entire  self-immolation  to  the  elucidation  of  a  great 
scientific  principle,  than  is  shown  in  the  persistent 
labors  of  Mr.  Goodyear  while  in  pursuit  of  the 
crowning  discovery  of  the  age.  Let  us  read  the 
glowing  account  of  his  toils  and  disappointments, 
his  defeats  and  victories,  as  given  by  the  Commis- 
sioner from  whom  we  have  previously  quoted. 

"  From  the  first  moment  that  the  conception 
entered  his  mind  until  his  complete  success  —  em- 
6 


122  DISCOVERT  OF  THE  SULPHURIZATION 


bracing  a  period  of  from  sixteen  to  eighteen  years  — •  * 
he  applied  himself  unceasingly  and  enthusiastically 
to  its  perfection  and  to  its  introduction  into  use,  in 
every  form  that  his  fruitful  genius  could  devise.  So 
intensely  were  his  faculties  concentrated  upon  it  that 
he  seems  to  have  been  incapable  of  thought  or  of 
action  upon  any  other  subject.  He  had  no  other 
occupation,  was  inspired  by  no  other  hope,  cherished 
no  other  ambition.  He  carried  continually  about 
his  person  a  piece  of  India-rubber,  and  into  the  ears 
of  all  who  would  listen  he  poured  incessantly  the 
story  of  his  experiments  and  the  glowing  language 
of  his  prophecies.  He  was,  according  to  the  wit- 
nesses, completely  absorbed  by  it,  both  by  day  and 
night,  pursuing  it  with  untiring  energy  and  with 
almost  superhuman  perseverance.  Not  only  were 
the  powers  of  his  mind  and  body  thus  ardently 
devoted  to  the  invention  and  its  introduction  into 
use,  but  every  dollar  he  possessed  or  could  command 
through  the  resources  of  his  credit,  or  the  influences 
of  friendship,  was  uncalculatingly  cast  into  that 
seething  cauldron  of  experiment  which  was  allowed 
no  repose.  The  very  bed  on  which  his  wife  slept, 
and  the  linen  that  covered  his  table,  were  seized  and 
sold  to  pay  his  board,  and  we  see  him,  with  his 
stricken  household,  following  in  the  funeral  of  his 
child  on  foot,  because  he  had  no  means  with  which 
to  hire  a  carriage.  His  family  had  to  endure  priva- 
tions almost  surpassing  belief,  being  frequently  with- 
out an  article  of  food  in  their  house,  or  fuel  in  the 
coldest  weather  —  and  indeed  it  is  said  that  they 
could  not  have  lived  through  the  winter  of  1839,  but 


AND  VULCANIZATION  OF  INDIA-RUBBER. 


123 


for  the  kind  offices  of  a  few  charitable  friends.  They 
are  represented  as  gathering  sticks  in  the  woods  and 
on  the  edges  of  the  highways,  with  which  to  cook 
their  meals,  and  digging  the  potatoes  of  their  little 
garden  before  they  were  half  grown,  while  one  of 
his  hungry  children,  in  a  spirit  worthy  of  his  father, 
is  heard  expressing  his  thanks  that  this  much  had 
been  spared  to  them.  We  often  find  him  arrested 
and  incarcerated  in  the  debtor's  prison,  but  even 
amid  its  gloom  his  vision  of  the  future  never  grew 
dim,  his  faith  in  his  ultimate  triumph  never  faltered. 
Undismayed  by  discomfitures  and  sorrows  which 
might  well  have  broken  the  stoutest  spirit,  his  lan- 
guage everywhere,  and  under  all  circumstances,  was 
that  of  encouragement  and  of  a  profound  conviction  of 
final  success.  Not  only  in  the  United  States  did  he 
thus  exert  himself  to  establish  and  apply  to  every 
possible  use  his  invention,  but  in  England,  France, 
and  other  countries  of  Europe,  he  zealously  pursued 
the  same  career.  In  1855,  he  appeared  at  the 
World's  Fair  in  Paris,  and  the  golden  medal  and 
the  Grand  Cross  of  the  Legion  of  Honor  were  award- 
ed to  him  as  the  representative  of  his  country's 
inventive  genius.  Fortune,  however,  while  thus 
caressing  him  with  one  hand,  was  at  the  same  mo- 
ment smiting  him  with  the  other ;  for  we  learn  from 
the  testimony  that  these  brillliant  memorials  passed 
from  the  Emperor  and  reached  their  honored  re- 
cipient, then  the  occupant  of  a  debtor's  prison  among 
strangers  in  a  foreign  land  —  thus  adding  yet  an- 
other to  that  long  sad  catalogue  of  public  benefactors 
who  have  stood  neglected  and  impoverished  in  the 


124 


HISTORY  OF  THE  SULPHURIZATION 


midst  of  the  waving  harvest  of  blessings  they  had 
bestowed  upon  their  race.  Throughout  all  these 
scenes  of  trial,  so  vividly  depicted  by  the  evidence, 
he  derived  no  support  from  the  sympathies  of  the 
public.  While  the  community  at  large  seemed  to 
have  looked  on  him  as  one  chasing  a  phantom,  there 
were  times  when  even  his  best  friends  turned  away 
from  him  as  an  idle  visionary,  and  he  was  fated  to 
encounter  on  every  side  sneers  and  ridicule,  to  which 
each  baffled  experiment  and  the  pecuniary  loss  it 
inflicted  added  a  yet  keener  edge.  The  mercenary, 
naturally  enough,  pronounced  his  expenditures,  so 
freely  made,  culpably  wasteful ;  the  selfish  and  the 
narrow-minded  greeted  the  expression  of  his  en- 
larged and  far-reaching  views  as  the  ravings  of 
an  enthusiast ;  while  it  is  fair  to  infer  from  the  dep- 
ositions, that  not  a  few  of  the  timid  and  plodding 
who  cling,  tremblingly  apprehensive  of  change,  to 
the  beaten  paths  of  human  thought  and  action,  re- 
garded him  as  wandering  on  the  very  brink  of  in- 
sanity, if  not  already  pursuing  its  wild  and  flickering 
lights.  Such  in  all  times  has  been  the  fate  of  the 
greatest  spirits  that  have  appeared  on  the  arena  of 
human  discovery,  and  such  will  probably  continue 
to  be  the  doom  of  all  whose  stalwart  strides  carry 
them  in  advance  of  the  race  to  which  they  belong. 
With  such  a  record  of  toil,  of  privation,  of  courage 
and  of  perseverance  in  the  midst  of  discouragements 
the  most  depressing,  it  is  safe  to  affirm  that  not  only 
has  the  applicant  used  that  due  diligence  enjoined  by 
law,  but  that  his  diligence  has  been,  in  degree  and  in 
merit,  perhaps  without  parallel  in  the  annals  of  in- 
vention." 


AND  VULCANIZATION  OF  INDIA-RUBBER.  125 

The  change  produced  in  the  native  gum  has  been 
aptly  compared  to  the  change  which  is  wrought 
in  the  perishable  hide  by  the  process  of  tanning, 
ffe  can  hardly  estimate  the  uses  to  which  this  u  vul- 
canite "  may  be  applied,  or  rather  we  may  say  we 
shall  find  it  quite  as  difficult  to  say  what  uses  it 
cannot  be  made  to  subserve.  It  can  hardly  be  de- 
nominated an  improvement,  but  a  creation.  Daniel 
Webster  in  his  great  plea,  Goodyear  vs  Day,  eloquent- 
ly remarks  that,  "  it  introduces  quite  a  new  material 
into  the  manufacture  of  the  arts,  that  material  being 
nothing  less  than  elastic  metal.  It  is  hard  like  a 
metal,  and  as  elastic  as  pure  original  gum  elastic.  - 
It  is  as  great  and  momentous  a  phenomenon  occur- 
ring to  men  in  the  progress  of  their  knowledge,  as 
it  would  be  for  a  man  to  show  that  iron  and  gold 
could  remain  iron  and  gold,  and  yet  become  elastic 
as  India-rubber."  Mr.  Goodyear  denominates  this 
improvement  "  metalic  gum  elastic."  This  article 
is  extensively  used,  and  may  be  wrought  into  thou- 
sand shapes,  from  massive  blocks  to  the  thinest 
sheets.  It  is  susceptible  of  a  beautiful  polish,  and 
possesses  great  firmness  and  durability.  It  already 
constitutes  an  important  staple  of  commerce.  Mil- 
lions of  dollars  are  invested  in  its  manufacture,  both 
in  Europe  and  x\merica.  It  is  largely  wrought  into 
imitations  of  marble,  wood,  leather,  whalebone,  shell, 
horn,  &q.  The  imitation  is  so  perfect  as  to  deceive 
even  a  practised  eye,  and  while  it  so  closely  resem- 
bles the  various  articles  alluded  to,  it  is  more  durable 
and  permanent  than  many  of  them,  inasmuch  as  it 
remains  unaffected  by  heats  or  colds,  dampness  or 


126 


HISTORY  OF  THE  SULPHUPJZATION 


extreme  dryness  ;  no  corrosion,  oxidation,  nor  decay. 
It  excels  in  beauty,  nicety  of  finish,  and  in  durability, 
those  trinkets  of  glass  and  jet,  which,  in  the  common 
form,  are  go  liable  to  instant  destruction  by  children. 

Few  persons  have  any  adequate  conception  of  the 
wonderful  transformations  to  which  vulcanite  may  be 
changed,  or  its  important  position  in  the  industrial 
arts. 

Having  traced  at  length  the  discovery  of  vulcaniza- 
tion and  its  contingent  results,  we  now  call  attention 
to  remarks  that  have  appeared  in  various  English 
scientific  works,  of  acknowledged  authority.  The 
whole  process  of  vulcanization  and  its  application 
is  fully  and  clearly  set  forth.  And  here  we  would 
remark  that  the  English  have  not  been  backward  in 
publishing  with  commendable  liberality  the  various 
discoveries  and  improvements  as  they  were  perfected. 
On  the  other  hand,  all  the  American  inventors  have 
studiously  avoided,  not  only  the  publication  of  their 
discoveries,  but  have  endeavored  to  obstruct  and 
prevent  all  investigation,  the  publication  of  which 
would  Simply  make  known  to  the  world  the  results  of 
their  genius.  The  object  seems  to  have  been  to  throw 
an  air  of  mystery  around  their  discoveries,  and  by 
thus  preserving  to  themselves  their  secrets,  be  en- 
abled to  place  an  undue  value  upon  the  manu- 
factured article.  Were  they  not  fully  protected 
in  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  their  goods,  by  the 
patents  which  have  been  so  lavishly  granted,  Ameri- 
can inventors  would  be  fully  justified  in  preserving 
as  profound  secrets,  the  results  of  their  perseverance 
and  patient  toil,  but  as  it  is,  we  can  see  no  substau- 


AND  VULCANIZATION  OF  INDIA-RUBBER.  127 

tial  reason  for  this  endeavor  to  shield  from  the  public 
eye  that  which  would  add  to  the  general  stock  of 
scientific  knowledge,  and  could  but  be  honorable  to 
the  manliness  and  genius  of  the  discoverer. 

We  are  indebted  to  the  London  Mechanic's  Mag- 
azine for  many  of  the  valuable  thoughts  which  we 
shall  now  introduce  to  the  reader. 


CHAPTER  II. 

VULCANIZATION. 

We  have  attempted  to  show,  that  amongst  the 
number  of  advantages  claimed  for  the  hard  vulcan- 
ized India-rubber,  is  that  of  the  power  of  closely 
imitating  almost  any  article,  substance,  or  material. 
In  doing  this,  we  ought  to  have  referred  to  the  Vul- 
canite Court  of  the  Crystal  Palace  for  a  full  corrobo- 
ration of  the  position  we  desired  to  assume.  "We  are 
now  about  to  advance  a  step  farther,  and  shall  put 
forward  proofs  that  hard  India-rubber,  submitted  to 
a  certain  facile  process,  not  only  has  a  right  to  be 
placed  side  by  side  with  almost  all  and  every  ma- 
terial it  affects  to  imitate,  but  has  a  further  right  to 
be  considered  as  superior.  Of  course  there  are  excep- 
tionable cases  to  this,  as  in  all  rules,  and  these  will 
be  pointed  out  during  this  attempt  to  give  a  thought- 
bearing  digest  of  the  present  position  of  this  dis- 
covery. 

The  material  produced  by  vulcanization  being  as 
hard  as,  and  capable  of  a  greater  amount  of  wear, 
than  iron,  brass,  and,  in  many  cases,  even  than  steel, 
we  have  the  element  of  durability  to  start  with ;  and 

128 


» 


VULCANIZATION.  129 

it  must  be  recollected,  that  this  wonderful  power  of 
resisting  wear,  both  from  friction  and  the  action  of 
the  atmosphere  is  endowed  by  a  process  as  facile  as 
that  possessed  by  the  baker  of  ship  biscuits.  That 
while  the  mass  or  dough  is  in  its  soft  state,  it  falls 
into,  and  as  it  were,  courts  the  required  form  of  its 
future  existence  with  a  fluency  possessed  by  scarcely 
any  other  material.  Designs  of  the  most  exquisite 
kind,  or  of  the  simplest  character,  may  thus  be  turned 
out  like  tea  cakes,  and  like  tea  cakes  carried  to  the 
vulcanizing  oven.  But  here,  the  simile  stops,  for 
these  biscuits  of  Mr.  Goodyear  defy  the  teeth  of 
time  and  the  digestion  of  ages.  There  are  manufac- 
turers, however,  that  cry  out,  "  we  don't  want  articles 
that  will  last."  This  is  a  narrow  view  of  things. 
Experience  is  opposed  to  so  unjust  a  sentiment.  A 
moment's  thought  would  forever  dispel  the  illusion. 
Is  there  any  less  demand  for  iron  furniture  or  iron 
household  utensils,  because  such  articles  in  that 
metal  will  last  longer  than  others  ?  Or  is  the  dia- 
mond less  prized  because  it  is  nearly  indestructible  ? 
The  family  of  mankind,  ever  growing  and  increasing, 
with  its  varied  wants,  its  constant  changes  of  fortune 
and  alterations  in  its  tastes,  its  coquetry,  and  its 
caprice,  will  find  for  the  industry  of  the  world  quite 
enough  to  keep  it  employed. 

With  the  introduction  of  machinery  there  was  to 
have  been  a  less  demand  for  "  hands;"  with  the  intro- 
duction of  railways,  horses  were  literally  to  go  to 
the  dogs.  Need  instances  be  multiplied  ?  Perhaps 
it  would  be  better  to  do  so,  while  such  a  feeling  is  in 
the  ascendant ;  but  space  is  imperative,  although  pre- 
6*  - 


130  VULCANIZATION. 

judice  is  stubborn.  But,  very  naturally  observes  the 
reader  who  has  possessed  himself  of  some  one  or 
more  of  the  specimens  from  the  Crystal  Palace, 
"  this  quality  of  cheapness  is  a  myth.  I  lor  one 
have  put  it  to  the  test,  and  this  stick,  for  instance, 
cost  me  55.  or  this  pencil  2s.  Now,  in  the  first  place, 
the  stick  or  the  pencil  should  be  compared  with  any 
other  sticks  or  pencils  professing  all  the  recommenda- 
tions of  those  in  question,  to  arrive  at  a  fair  apprecia- 
tion ;  and  in  the  next,  it  should  be  remembered  that 
those  examples  are  produced  from  abroad.  They 
bear  a  duty,  and  in  many  cases,  they  proceed  from 
small  and  experimental  operations.  We  have  made 
especial  inquiries  into  these  facts,  and  find  that  such 
is  the  case,  and  that  such  circumstances  are  no  more 
than  reasonable,  as  appertaining  to  every  invention 
upon  its  first  introduction. 

The  Daguerreotype  is  a  case  in  point.  The  inven- 
tor, and  all  those  concerned  in  placing  the  discovery 
before  the  public,  take  care  that  the  prices  shall  be 
kept  so  that  a  remuneration  shall  be  obtained  before 
it  is  let  down  to  the  bare  cost  of  production,  added, 
it  may  be,  to  interest  upon  capital  employed. 

The  mass,  in  its  soft  stage,  does  its  own  work ; 
that  is  to  say,  a  sheet  of  it  may  be  laid  over  a  mould, 
and  the  bare  weight  of  a  shovel  full  of  sand  cast 
upon  it  will  press  it  into  every  lineament  of  the  matrix. 
This  sheet  of  the  soft  material  may  have  for  its  com- 
ponents, a  large  proportion  of  oxide  or  of  saw-dust, 
as  the  desire  may  be  either  an  imitation  of  bronze 
or  of  some  particular  wood,  or  other  material.  *  *  * 

Mr.  Charles  Goodyear,  in  an  unpublished  work 


VULCANIZATION. 


131 


upon  the  subject,  states  that  the  first  pair  of  India- 
rubber  over-shoes  were  made  by  himself  and  daugh- 
ter in  a  cellar  in  New  York.  There  are  now  millions 
of  them  made  each  year  at  the  various  India-rubber 
mills  throughout  America,  France  and  Belgium. 
But  a  singular  desire  to  appreciate  and  follow  se- 
quences, and  an  indomitable  perseverance  in  conquer- 
ing difficulties,  appears  to  have  acted  upon  the  indus- 
trious mind  of  Mr.  Goodyear,  in  this  direction  with 
peculiar  force.  The  India-rubber  over  shoe  perfected, 
Mr.  Goodyear  did  not  sit  down  quietly  to  contem- 
plate his  work,  even  when  apparently  complete,  but 
strongly  convinced  that  there  was  more  to  do  than 
covering  the  feet  of  nations  with  a  water-proof  sub- 
stance, however  symmetrical  in  its  form  and  comfort- 
able in  its  fit  under  almost  every  circumstance,  he 
felt  that  if  the  leather  boot  or  shoe  could  be  alto- 
gether dispensed  with,  and  there  could  be  substituted 
for  it  an  India-rubber  boot  or  shoe,  a  boon  of  price- 
less worth  would  be  conferred  upon  humanity,  the 
more  so  as  the  item  of  boots  and  shoes  to  a  poor 
family,  or  even  to  a  person  of  moderate  means,  was 
one  of  considerable  importance.  To  reduce  the  cost 
of  this  article  of  clothing,  and  to  give  to  the  poor 
man  a  pair  of  boots  at  one-third  of  the  present  ex- 
pense, and  not  as  now,  at  more  than  one-half  of  his 
week's  wages,  has  been  one  of  the  special  objects  of 
Mr.  Goodyear's  untiring  life.  That  he  will  succeed 
in  this,  there  now  exists  not  a  shadow  of  doubt.  The 
combinations  of  the  hard,  the  semi-hard,  and  the  soft 
vulcanized  India-rubber,  have  given  him  all  the  need- 
ful elements  of  success,  and  ere  long,  boots  and  shoes 


132 


VULCANIZATION. 


of  India-rubber  which  need  not  a  morsel  of  leather 
for  their  formation,  will  be  as  plentiful  as  over-shoes 
are  now,  and  even  more  so.  The  power  of  the  hard, 
the  semi-hard,  and  the  soft  vulcanized  India-rubber  to 
resist  wear,  is  one  of  their  extraordinary  features. 
Heels,  for  instance,  made  of  the  soft  material,  have 
been  put  on  to  shoes  of  boys  at  the  United  Parish 
School  at  Norwood,  and  on  to  the  toes  of  the  same 
boots  iron  tips  of  the  •  eighth  of  an  inch  have  been 
secured.  The  result  of  this  test  has  been  that  the 
iron  has  been  worn  out,  and  the  heel,  when  removed 
and  weighed,  has  scarcely  suffered  the  slightest  ap- 
preciable difference  in  weight  or  density.  Mr.  Good- 
year has  already  made  arrangements  to  disperse  heels 
of  this  material  by  the  hogshead.  He  fasnions  them 
in  a  circular  form  making  the  outer  margin  of  the 
hard  material  and  the  inner  circle  of  the  soft.  The 
hard  material  is  smooth  and  beautifully  polished.  It 
does  not  require  blacking,  and  will  keep  its  lustre  a 
long  time.  The  centre  bulb  projects  beyond  the  sur- 
face of  the  hard  ring,  and  when  trodden  upon  yields 
and  is  flattened  by  the  weight  of  the  body.  One  of 
the  applications  of  this  form  of  heel  bears  directly 
upon  the  perfectibility  of  a  boot  or  shoe  wholly  made 
of  India-rubber.  In  the  first  place,  the  rotary  prin- 
ciple of  heel  is  employed  which  one  might  suppose 
almost  an  unnecessary  arrangement,  and  in  the  next, 
the  peculiar  form  of  the  bulb  or  lobe  acts  when  press- 
ed upon  as  a  valve  or  air-pump,  and  sends  at  every 
step  into  those  shoes  or  boots  properly  prepared,  a 
certain  amount  of  air,  or  perhaps  it  would  be  more 
correct  to  say,  it  displaces  a  certain  amount  of  air 


VULCANIZATION. 


133 


which  finds  renewal  from  other  parts  of  the  boot. 
Is  a  boot  made  unsightly?  —  not  in  the  least.  They 
are  really  elegant  in  form  and  general  contour.  Our 
readers  are  familiar  with  the  corrugated  dress  boots. 
The  India-rubber  boots  we  have  seen  closely  imitated 
these,  but  it  may  be  added,  that  in  thus  copying,  Mr. 
Goodyear  copies  his  own,  as  the  corrugated  dress 
boot  was  introduced  more  to  prepare  the  eye  for  what 
was  to  follow^than  to  give  the  beau  of  New  York,  of 
Paris,  and  of  London,  any  particular  style  of  dress 
boot.  In  this,  Mr.  Goodyear  displays  a  consummate 
knowledge  of  human  nature.  Had  he  brought  out  a 
corrugated  boot  without  this  avant  courier  and  child  of 
fashion,  his  invention  might  have  possessed  very  es- 
sential recommendations  but  that  of  "  optical  famil- 
iarity," and  the  work  of  years  would  have  been  as 
nought. 

We  may  mention  here  a  characteristic  of  Mr. Good- 
year's  inventive  genius.  He  considers  failures  as 
stepping-stones  to  success.  He  tells  one  of  the  many 
well  selected  aids  by  whom  he  is  surrounded,  to  do 
such  and  such  a  thing.  The  mechanician  returns 
after  giving  his  earnest  attention  to  the  task,  with  a 
something  so  clumsy  or  so  ridiculous  that  it  either 
raises  the  fear  of  censure  or  the  dread  of  laughter  as 
the  reward  of  his  pains ;  but  neither  laughter  or 
censure  await  him.  The  result  is  just  what  its  origi- 
nator expected;  the  practical  application  confirms 
his  views.  A  dozen  failures,  perhaps  fifty,  perhaps 
two  hundred,  wait  upon  these  efforts,  but  with  this 
valuable  difference,  that  each  failure  approaches,  di- 
rectly or  indirectly,  the  something  that  the  mind 


134 


VULCANIZATION. 


desired  to  arrive  at.  Thus,  each  thing  is,  as  it 
were,  hemmed  in ;  it  is  check-mated  by  these  far- 
seeing  moves,  and  science,  the  antagonist  in  this 
noble  game,  renders  up  the  coveted  object  of  an 
intellectual  struggle.  In  a  word,  it  is  a  practical 
exercise  of  inductive  philosophy,  or  the  algebra  of 
mechanics  getting  at  positive  and  useful  facts  by 
means  mysterious  and  unintelligible  to  ordinary 
comprehensions. 


CHAPTER  III. 


VULCANIZATION. 

Camphine  or  turpentine,  oil  of  sassafras,  and  all 
the  essential  oils,  are  faithful  tests  of  the  quality  of 
gum  elastic,  and  as  certain  in  their  tale-telling  as 
nitric  acid  is  of  the  genuineness  of  gold.  As  the 
native  gums,  and  also  the  common  manufacture  of 
gum  elastic  have  the  same  general  appearance  as 
those  that  are  vulcanized,  more  particularly  to  persons 
not  acquainted  with  the  manufacture  nor  judges  of 
the  goods,  these  tests  are  of  the  utmost  importance, 
not  alone  to  determine  whether  the  goods  are  genu- 
ine, but  also  to  ascertain  whether  those  that  are  vul- 
canized are  properly  done.  When  these  tests  are 
applied  to  any  fabric  of  native  gum,  it  is  rendered 
very  adhesive,  and  so  quickly  as  to  destroy  any  light 
fabric  almost  immediately,  while  upon  goods  that 
are  well  vulcanized,  they  should  have  no  such  effect. 
If  they  do  so  the  manufacture  is  bad. 

Although  the  manufacture  of  hard  India-rubber 
goods,  by  the  process  of  vulcanizing,  is  extensively 
known  and  appreciated  in  the  United  States,  and  in 
France  and  Belgium,  very  little  appears  to  be  under- 
stood in  Great  Britain.     Indeed,  in  Birmingham, 

135 


136 


VULCANIZATION. 


which  is  justly  termed  the  "  work-shop  of  the  world,'' 
little  or  nothing,  or  if  anything,  a  something  amount- 
ing to  a  misunderstanding,  would  comprise  the  quan- 
tity of  intelligence  upon  the  subject.  There  can  be 
little  doubt,  however,  that  as  the  infinite  capabilities 
of  the  material  become  known,  and  justly  esteemed, 
and  its  amazing  applications  get  manifested,  no  one 
thing  of  late  years,  surprising  as  the  changes  have 
been  in  that  neighborhood,  will  have  caused  so  great 
a  revolution  in  very  many  of  the  staple  manufactures 
of  that  town  as  will  the  introduction  of  this  discovery. 

As  regards  the  power  to  be  used  in  the  manufac- 
ture, steam  has  a  decided  advantage  over  water,  as 
in  the  plastic  state  of  the  mass  there  exists  a  variety 
of  proceedings,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  ma- 
terial to  be  made  or  the  object  to  be  imitated,  in 
which  steam  would  have  to  play  a  conspicuous  part. 
But  it  must  be  in  this  country  as  in  America  and 
elsewhere,  that  as  the  manufacture  extends,  so  will 
the  best  and  most  suitable  machinery  and  power  be 
devised  and  rendered  subservient  to  its  development. 
When  the  manufacture  is  favored  with  the  advantages 
of  steam  power,  and  large  capital,  the  most  profitable 
results  have  been  and  are  attendant  upon  it ;  and 
perhaps  there  are  few  manufactures  which  require 
less  comparative  space,  and  in  which  less  waste  is 
consequent.  There  should  not  be  a  particle  of  the 
substance  lost,  as  all  cuttings,  sweepings  of  the  fac- 
tory, and  the  very  dust  upon  all  things  around,  can 
be  re-worked  with  profit  and  advantage.  Indeed,  it 
is  here  that  we  should  make  publicly  known  the  fact 
that  every  article  of  vulcanized  India-rubber,  bears 


VULCANIZATION. 


187 


its  value  according  to  its  make  and  kind,  however 
old  it  may  be. 

As  a  general  impression  exists  that  India-rubber 
when  once  vulcanized  cannot  be  again  used,  this 
statement  should  be  borne  in  mind,  and  the  greatest 
publicity  given  to  it  in  order  that  the  millions  of 
pounds  now  lying  waste  in  the  shape  of  galoshoes, 
&c,  may  not  be  heedlessly  thrown  away.  The  old 
Jew  clothesmen  will  at  once  open  their  eyes  to  the 
fact,  and  the  valet  or  humble  servant  girl  will  find  in 
their  collection  and  sale  an  increase  to  their  perquis- 
ites, in  proportion  to  the  consciences  of  those  with 
whom  they  deal. 

Here,  then,  we  have  important  elements  of  econ- 
omy, at  the  very  beginning  and  end  of  the  manu- 
facture, if  end  that  can  have  which  has  the  at- 
tribute of  a  renewal  of  usefulness.  Galoshoes  may 
be  called  in  as  worn  out  sovereigns  and  shillings 
are  now,  and  returning  to  their  mint,  be  melted  up 
and  re-stamped  for  renewed  circulation.  Another 
advantage  in  the  manufacture  is,  that  the  same  tools 
are  employed  for  its  various  branches,  and  the  same 
operatives  can  be  turned  from  the  making  of  one 
description  of  an  article  to  another,  without  delay  or 
expense. .  A  girl,  for  instance,  who  may  be  engaged 
as  the  maker  of  garments  one  day,  may  become  the 
next  a  trunk,  a  harness,  or  a  shoemaker ;  and  on  the 
third,  find  herself  occupied  in  pressing  out  of  the 
soft  and  ductile  mass  brooches,  and  other  articles  of 
adornment,  which  being  afterwards  vulcanized,  and 
thus  rendered  almost  imperishable,  may  serve  to 
encircle  the  neck,  clasp  the  arm,  or  hang  pendant 


138 


VULCANIZATION. 


from  the  waist  of  Britain's  fairest  daughters.  The 
machinery  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  India- 
rubber,  since  the  first  attempts  to  work  it,  has  been 
subjected  to  variation  and  gradual  improvement. 
Numerous  expedients  and  divers  machines  were 
early  tried  for  chopping,  grinding  and  spreading  the 
gum,  and  also  for  flowing  it  in  a  liquid  or  semi-liquid 
state,  which  have  been  abandoned.  It  is  now  gen- 
erally agreed  by  manufacturers  in  this  business,  that 
the  machinery  is  as  near  perfection  as  can  be  attain- 
ed ;  that  is  to  say,  they  are  all  satisfied  with  it.  But 
in  this  age  of  improvements,  we  might  see  to-morrow 
one  machine  doing  the  work  of  two  or  more,  and  all 
calculations  as  to  perfectibility  obliterated,  but  to 
begin  again  upon  fresh  data.  It  must  however  be 
admitted  that  it  is  of  the  most  simple  kind,  doing 
the  work  well  and  with  astonishing  rapidity,  although 
requiring  great  mechanical  power,  owing  to  the 
toughness  and  tenacity  of  the  gum.  The  machine 
used  for  cutting  and  washing  the  gum  is  the  same 
as  that  employed  by  paper-makers  in  cutting  rags. 
A  large  proportion  of  the  India-rubber  was  nearly 
useless  from  the  quantity  of  bark  in  it  until  this 
engine  came  into  use.  Gum-elastic  or  India-rubber 
can  be  readily  mixed  or  combined  with  almost  every 
other  substance.  It  may  be  mixed  with  other  gums, 
oils,  coal-tar, .  carbon,  and  with  the  earths,  and 
oxides  or  pulverized  metals  or  ores.  It  can  like- 
wise be  combined  with  all  fibrous  products. 

It  is  compounded  in  the  manufacture  with  many 
of  the  above  substances,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining 
particular  advantages  for  special  uses.    Ground  cork 


VULCANIZATION. 


139 


and  other  light  materials  are  sometimes  mixed  with 
the  gum  to  increase  the  bulk,  and  make  the  articles 
light.  The  oxides  of  metals,  their  filings  and  pulver- 
ized silicas  will  give  imitations  of  marble.  The  fibre 
of  cotton,  or  the  dust  of  different  woods  will  afford  sim- 
ulations of  wood  of  greater  or  less  gravity,  as  may- 
be required.  The  combining  of  plumbago  gives  the 
crayon ;  oxide  of  zinc,  produces  lithographic  stone, 
and  so  on,  and  on.  Pigments  and  earths  are  used 
for  color  and  cheapness,  and  to  increase  the  weight 
of  the  fabric  as  in  the  case  of  carpeting.  Bitumen 
and  rosin  are  sometimes  used  to  give  articles  a  finish, 
or  high  lustre.  Oxides  of  some  of  the  metals  are 
used,  but  white  lead  and  litharge  are  commonly  pre- 
ferred. From  two  to  four  ounces  of  either  of  these 
metals  to  the  pound  of  gum  cause  the  articles,  and 
particularly  those  that  are  thick  or  massive,  to  be 
readily  changed  or  vulcanized,  and  more  completely, 
or  with  greater  uniformity.  Sulphur  is  applied  through 
the  medium  of  heat  in  different  ways,  according  to 
the  nature  of  the  articles  or  fabrics,  and  their  uses. 
It  is  generally  mixed  in  the  process  of  crushing  or 
grinding  the  gum,  in  the  proportion  of  half  an  ounce 
of  sulphur  to  the  pound  of  gum  for  the  vulcanized 
elastic  goods,  and  about  five  or  six  ounces  to  the 
pound  of  gum  for  the  "  vulcanite,"  or  hard  goods. 
In  the  former  case,  about  270°  of  heat  are  necessary, 
and  in  the  latter,  300  to  310°.  At  other  times  the 
sulphur  is  dusted  upon  the  articles  in  the  form  of 
flour  of  sulphur  before  they  are  placed  in  the  heater 
or  oven.  This  is  commonly  done  in  the  manufacture 
of  elastic  thread  and  other  articles,  which  possess  no 


140 


VULCANIZATION. 


extraneous  mixture,  in  which  case  the  gum  is  pene 
trated  or  impregnated  with  the  sulphur,  without  its 
being  mixed  with  the  gum  in  the  crude  state. 

Enough  has  been  given  in  this  chapter  to  permit  of 
the  intelligent  and  thoughtful  at  once  following  us, 
in  the  manufacture  and  finish  of —  we  will  say  for 
example  —  buttons.  The  mass  in  a  tough  but  plas- 
tic state,  a  toughness  and  plasticity  in  combination 
with  which  there  exists  no  approachable  parallel  — 
having  been  so  rendered  by  simply  plunging  it  into 
boiling  water,  becomes  of  as  easy  manipulation  as 
clay.  Indeed  the  material  in  this  stage  being  so  like 
clay,  we  can  scarcely  point  to  any  better  illustration 
than  the  porcelain  button  manufacture,  which  being 
familiar  to  most,  there  can  be  no  need  to  detail. 
Treated  thus  like  clay,  the  moulds  may  be  filled  by 
the  gross,  and  the  buttons  afterwards  submitted  to 
vulcanization.  The  moulds  may  bear  any  impress, 
and  however  fine  such  patterns  may  be,  the  material 
will  receive  and  retain  them  after  vulcanization,  to 
a  degree  which  will  defy  every  power  that  destroys 
all  other  substances  short  of  those  of  actual  cutting, 
filing,  or  grinding.  Thus  a  button  is  produced  at  an 
extraordinary  economical  rate,  and  with  marvellous 
ease,  which,  while  comparing  the  facility  of  its  origin 
to  that  of  the  porcelain,  possesses  the  superlative 
qualities  of  being  comparable  with  one  made  with 
the  properties  and  strength  of  iron  or  other  metal, 
and  in  imitation  of  bronze,  ivory,  cameo,  and  is, 
indeed,  a  substitute  for  any  other,  and  the  very  best 
material  or  thing  ever  used  for  button  making.  In  a 
word,  it  may  possess  the  closest  similitude  to  the 


VULCANIZATION. 


141 


most  exquisite  carving,  with  the  properties  of  bronze, 
ivory,  or  any  hard  and  scarce  material.  The  appli- 
cations as  far  as  results  are  concerned,  are  attended 
■with  like  favorable  characteristics,  whether  the  article 
produced  be  nearly  every  one  of  those  innumerable 
and  familiar  things,  which  meet  us  at  each  turn, 
either  within  the  palace  or  cottage,  or  the  many 
others  to  be  met  with  out  of  doors. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


VULCANIZATION. 

The  importance  of  the  improvements  in  gum-elastic 
for  educational*  purposes,  has  been  previously  com- 
mented upon  in  previous  portions  of  these  notices, 
and  we  would  now  give  a  little  additional  space  to 
some  of  the  many  purposes  in  this  direction,  which 
assist  in  filling  up  the  almost  infinite  measure  of  the 
uses  of  vulcanized  India-rubber.  Much  has  been 
done  to  perfect  them,  but  enough  has  already  been 
accomplished  to  prove  that  the  causes  of  education 
will  hereafter  be  promoted  by  the  use  of  many  articles 
made  of  the  vulcanized  fabrics.  The  cheapness  of 
some  of  these  articles,  compared  with  the  cost  of  those 
of  other  materials,  gives  double  assurance  of  the  cor- 
rectness of  this  view.  The  expensiveness  of  globes r 
for  instance,  which  are  admitted  by  all  to  be  by  far 
the  best  means  of  imparting  and  obtaining  geograph- 
ical and  astronomical  information,  has  rendered  them 
accessible  to  few  persons,  either  pupils  or  teachers. 
The  adaptation  and  application  of  gum-elastic  to 
these  purposes,  will  bring  within  the  reach  of  every 
youth  in  the  commonest  school,  a  perfect  globe,  at  a 
^rice  within  their  means,  and  maps  more  durable 

142 


VULCANIZATION. 


143 


than  bather  or  parchment,  at  cheaper  rates  than 
paper  maps  are  now  made  when  mounted  on  linen. 

***** 

The  outline  maps  which  we  have  seen,  are  printed 
upon  the  vulcanized  India-rubber  fabrics,  both  trans- 
parent and  opaque,  and  also  upon  various  articles  to 
be  used  for  other 'purposes  besides  maps,  such  as 
piano  covers,  crumb  cloths,  and  carpets.  Arrange- 
ments are  being  made  for  this  manufacture,  which 
may  facilitate  the  method  of  teaching  from  outline 
maps  by  printing  on  this  material,  maps  of  the  world, 
upon  a  scale  large  enough  for  "  papering  "  the  sides 
of  an  ordinary  sized  room  of  a  school  house,  academy, 
public  lecture  room,  or  dwelling.  The  same  map, 
when  suspended  at  a  suitable  distance  from  the  wall, 
with  lights  placed  behind  it,  may  be  used  as  a  trans- 
parency for  teaching  at  night.  A  series  of  sectional 
maps  printed  on  a  scale  as  large  as  can  be  conve- 
niently printed  upon  calenders,  after  the  manner  of 
calico-printing,  may  be  cemented  together,  and  ar- 
ranged upon  rollers. 

The  globe  has  heretofore  been  so  expensive,  as  to 
be  found  only  in  schools  of  the  higher  class.  No 
form  of  map  or  atlas  can  give  so.  correct  an  idea  of 
the  surface  of  the  earth,  or  of  the  relative  situation 
of  places,  as  a  globe.  An  attempt  appears  to  have 
been  made  by  Mr.  Goodyear  to  make  them  of  gum- 
elastic,  soon  after  the  discovery  of  the  "  acid  gas  pro- 
cess." These  attempts  have  been  followed  up  at  inter- 
vals, until  the  production  of  the  present  process. 


144 


VULCANIZATION. 


They  are  made  of  various  sizes,  and  when  embossed 
by  the  method  described  in  the  manufacture  of  hol- 
low ware  —  by  steam  and  vulcanization  —  they  may 
be  made  to  supply  the  present  deficiency  of  globes 
for  the  blind. 

Their  utility  and  importance  to  the  cause  of  educa- 
tion need  not,  we  are  sure,  be  insisted  upon,  when  it 
is  understood  that  any  child  can  be  furnished  with  a 
perfect  globe  at  a  price  to  come  within  ordinary 
means.  When  used  they  are  inflated  with  air,  and 
when  collapsed,  may  be  folded  in  so  small  a  compass 
as  to  be  no  incumbrance  under  any  circumstances. 
When  the  large  sizes  are  filled  with  hydrogen  they 
become  highly  ornamental  and  beautiful  objects. 


CHAPTER.  Y. 


ADULTEiLATXOH  OF  INDXA-RTJBBEB-(CaoiitchoucJ 

Every  article  of  commerce  that  is  susceptible  of 
adulteration  is  sure  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  those 
who  seem  to  be  peculiarly  educated  to  the  work  of 
diluting,  and  reducing  by  various  chemical  processes 
the  real  value  of  the  article  to  be  counterfeited.  No 
matter  how  cheap  the  pure  substance  can  be  obtained, 
some  method  must  be  conjured  up  by  which  the 
innocent  purchaser  or  consumer  is  unconsciously 
duped.  India-rubber  and  gutta-percha  are  among 
the  vegetable  gums,  which  have  been  most  extensively 
adulterated.  It  long  since  became  a  matter  of  scien- 
tific research  in  England,  to  ascertain  how  great  a 
per  cent.  India-rubber  could  be  reduced,  by  the  ad- 
mixture of  worthless  compounds,  and  the  same  skill 
has  been  thus  perverted  in  our  own  country. 

In  Prussia,  a  law  was  passed  in  1856,  making  the 
adulteration  of  chemicals  and  articles  of  consumption 
by  which  life  shall  be  endangered,  an  offence  pun- 
ishable with  death.  The  simple  adulteration  of  food 
or  drink  with  any  deleterious  substance,  is  punishable 

1  145 


146 


ADULTERATION. 


with  fifteen  years'  hard  labor ;  and  any  other  adulter- 
ation is  regarded  as  cheating  (betrug),  and  is  pun- 
ished accordingly.  However  severe  or  stringent 
these  laws  may  seem  to  a  republican  mind,  they 
are  nevertheless  just.  What  is  the  sale  of  an  adul- 
terated article,  but  the  obtaining  of  money  under 
false  pretences,  and  why  should  not  every  rude 
infraction  of  the  law  of  right,  be  visited  by  some 
adequate  penalty? 

A  series  of  letters  were  published  in  1856,  in  Eng- 
land, under  the  above  caption,  which  shows  very 
clearly  the  extent  to  which  the  practice  of  adultera- 
tion had  then  been  carried.  We  herewith  give  the 
most  important  statement  contained  in  those  letters. 
The  letters  referred  to  were  written  by  William  H. 
Herbert,  Esq.,  and  addressed  to  the  Editor  of  the 
London  Mechanics'  Magazine. 

He  commenced  the  series  by  remarking  that  as 
adulteration  by  cheap  compounds  mixed  with  caout- 
chouc or  India-rubber,  are  extensively  used  by  engi- 
neers, he  desires  to  submit  a  brief  account  of  the 
processes,  etc.,  by  which  they  are  mixed.  Java  and 
Para  rubber  will  float  upon  water,  and  all  manufac- 
tured goods  free  of  foreign  matter,  are  of  the  same 
density ;  and  just  in  proportion  as  manufactured 
articles,  such  as;,valves,  rail  buffers,  carriage  and 
engine  springs,  washers,  hose,  &c,  sink  in  water,  so 
in  exact  ratio,  are  they  adulterated  with  some  cheap 
pigment,  of  which  the  following  are  a  few,  and  usu- 
ally in  extent  from  80  to  100  per  cent.  Say  tben, 
chalk,  Paris  white,  Cornwall  or  porcelain  clay,  barytes, 
oxide  zinc,  white  and  red  lead,  ivory  black,  lamp- 


ADULTERATION. 


147 


black,  black  lead,  Spanish  brown,  &c,  &e.  Interested 
manufacturers  will  tell  you  they  improve  the  article, 
bear  greater  pressure,  &c;  but  as  a  rule  this  is  a  mere 
trade  subterfuge,  the  truth  being,  it  enables  manufac- 
turers to  obtain  extortionate  profits,  which,  when  I 
submit  the  exact  formulas,  will  be  very  clearly  seen. 

Engineers  do  not  seem  sufficiently  alive  to  this 
question  of  density.  Of  course  in  colored  articles,  it 
is  necessary  to  use  some  pigment,  but  it  is  the  mon- 
strous excess  that  1  wish  to  expose,  and  applies  more 
particularly  to  the  American  inodorous  system.  I 
think  it  only  fair  to  Messrs.  Mackintosh  &  Co.,  to 
admit,  that  most  of  their  goods  I  have  examined  float 
on  water  ;  but  I  know  nothing,  and  have  no  interest 
whatever  in  their  establishment,  but  simply  state  the 
fact,  because  I  have  found  they  form  the  exception 
to  this  adulterating  or  mixing  system. 

What  I  wish  more  especially  to  impress  upon  the 
minds  of  engineers,  is  the  ready  mode  they  have  of 
discovering  or  ascertaining  whose  make  is  best  and 
cheapest,  and  it  is  more  likely  an  India-rubber  valve 
of  same  dimensions  at  2s.  6d.  per  lb.,  will  cost  more 
money  than  one  at  4s.  6d.  per  lb.,  arising  solely  from 
the  extravagant  mixture  of  these  cheap  pigments, 
and  its  great  density  over  the  latter.  Java  India- 
rubber,  which  is  mostly  used,  is  at  this  moment  about 
7d.  per  lb.,  and  best  Para  sheet  about  Is.  lid.  *  * 
If  they  are  fair  goods  for  usual  work,  then  I  trust 
the  information  I  supply  may  enable  contractors  to 
obtain  their  wants  by  competition,  furnishing  their 
own  form.    This  will  realize  a  great  saving  to  them  ; 


148 


ADULTERATION. 


but  they  must  not  be  induced  to  accept  goods  of 
greater  density  under  the  plea  of  being  better.  The 
Java  gum  used  in  these  adulterated  articles  is  ground 
without  undergoing  the  process  of  cleansing,  but  in 
all  articles  of  light  density,  the  cleaning  machine 
frees  it  from  all  gritty  matter,  and  it  is  usually  em- 
ployed in  this  cleansed  state  for  such,  as  well  as  all 
gray  or  white  goods. 

Messrs.  Mackintosh  &  Co.,  claim  in  their  patent 
for  vulcanizing  all  the  preparations  of  sulphur,  and 
without  it,  so  far  as  I  know  and  believe,  no  substitute 
has  yet,  or  is  likely  to  be  discovered  at  a  price  which 
can  render  it  commercially  available.  Indeed,  I 
doubt  whether  any  other  than  sulphurous  bodies 
will  vulcanize,  or  render  fit  for  the  use  of  the  engi- 
neers the  gum  called  India-rubber.  Hence,  the 
reason  why  many  of  the  manufacturers  are  licensed 
under  that  firm,  and  subject  to  have  their  goods  so 
stamped.  The  American  inodorous  makers  attempted 
to  shield  themselves,  (but  on  legally  trying  the  point) 
in  vain.  The  screen  against  Mr.  Mackintosh's  patent 
was  called,  as  a  blind,  a  hypo."  It  is  prepared  in 
several  ways,  but  is  a  compound  of  sulphur  and  lead, 
and  when  perfect  and  the  lime  well  washed  away,  is 
a  very  excellent  black,  costing  about  30s.  per  cwt.; 
but  its  whole  efficacy  rests  with  the  sulphur,  and 
without  it  would  not  vulcanize,  (though  lead  works 
kindly  with  caoutchouc).  This  chemical  contains 
about  20  per  cent.,  of  sulphur,  consequently,  five 
pounds  is  about  equal  to  twenty-five  ounces  of  sul- 
phur. This  extra  cost  was  readily  submitted  to, 
rather  than  to  knuckle  under  to  Messrs.  Mackintosh's 


ADULTERATION. 


149 


patent;  In  many  cases  it  was  only  said  to  be  used, 
and  what  really  was  used,  was  white  lead  or  lamp- 
black, oxide  of  zinc,  all  in  connection  with  sulphur, 
according  as  the  color  of  the  goods  required,  rendered 
necessary.  It  was  pretended  also,  by  these  inodorous 
manufacturers,  that  whjte  goods,  such  as  the  elastic 
beds,  advertised  as  "  Improved  Hydrostatic  Beds," 
and  "  Hospital  Sheeting,"  were  vulcanized  with  sul- 
phuret  of  zinc,  prepared  chemically ;  when,  in  fact, 
it  is  well  known  that  the  cost  of  manufacture  is  quite 
prohibitory,  and  is  only  of  value  in  proportion  to  its 
richness  in  sulphur.  What  was  in  reality  used,  was, 
and  is,  the  "  yellow  sulphur,"  and  the  "  pure  precipi- 
tate of  that  article."  1  mention  these  things  to  clear 
the  mystification  it  may  be  to  the  interest  of  manu- 
facturers to  keep  up,  and  as  I  only  write  from  expe- 
rience, I  have  reason  to  believe  your  readers,  who  are 
interested,  will  better  understand  the  nature  and 
value  of  unmixed  and  mixed  caoutchouc,  after  my 
fund  on  this  topic  is  exhausted.  With  these  remarks 
I  will  give  the  recipe  for  common  black  packing  at 
2s.  2d.  per  lb.,  in  quantity,  discount  as  agreed. 

The  chemical  termed  "  hypo "  is  manufactured 
thus :  The  sugar  of  lead  is  made  into  a  solution 
with  water  in  a  separate  vessel.  The  sulphur  and 
lime  are  then  boiled  in  water,  so  as  to  make  a  solu- 
tion of  sulphur  with  the  lime.  The  latter  solution 
(clear)  is  then  poured  into  the  former,  which  unites 
with  the  sulphur,  and  the  precipitate  is  the  "  hypo." 
The  hypo  is  then  washed  and  dried.  The  lime 
merely  enables  the  lead  to  take  up  the  sulphur. 


150 


ADULTERATION. 


£    s.  d. 


Grind  15  lbs.  Java  Caoutchouc  at  7d  0  8  9 

"     15  "    Para  Caoutchouc  "2s.  1  10  0 

"     15   "    Oxide  of  Zinc     "3d  0  4  0 

"     16  "    China  or  Cornwall  clay  0  0  3 

Total,     16  lbs. 

28  oz.  Yellow  Sulphur  *  0  0  3 

Mill-costs  at  3d.  per  lb.,  on  73  lbs  0  18  3 


Total,       -       -       -       -       -       -       -     3    5  3 

Costs  therefore,  10  |d.  per  lb. 


The  above  is  110  or  112  per  cent,  of  adulteration. 

I  should  here  remark,  there  is  also  a  kind  of  pack- 
ing in  use,  which  perhaps  is  practically  best  known 
as  "  Rag  Packing,"  r*ade  principally  from  the  use- 
less cuttings  in  the  manufacture  of  India-rubber 
coats,  where  the  gum  is  run  or  spread  on  calico 
foundations,  which  is  usually  the  case  with  water- 
proof garments  offered  for  sale  at  the  shops.  It  is 
made  as  follows : 

Rag  packing  for  valves,  bearing  springs,  or  in 
sheets  of  any  thickness,  where  less  elasticity  is  re- 
quired, and  great  pressure. 

£  s.  d. 


Grind  35  lbs.  Useless  scraps,  say  0  3  0 

"     18  "  Black  Lead,  at  2^d                          0  3  4| 

"     16  "   Java  Gum,    "  7d  0  9  4 

1  "  YeUow  Sulphur,   0  0  \\ 

Total,     70  lbs. 

Mill-costs  at  4d.  per  lb.  on  70  lbs  1  3  4 

Total,  1  19  2 


This  is  sold  at  2s.  per  lb.  in  very  large  quantities, 
or  Is.  6d.,  if  a  shrewd  man,  net,  or  a  small  discount 
for  cash. 


ADULTEBATION. 


151 


Our  gardens,  fire  engines,  brewers,  and  pump- 
makers  (for  suction,  <fcc.,)  have  found  the  value  of 
this  gum,  and  the  following  is  the  form  used  with 
success,  and  perhaps  the  adulterations  are  the  best 
substitutes  for  pure  caoutchouc  that  the  cheap  com- 
pound market  offers. 

£  s.  d. 

Grind  20  lbs.  Java,  at  7d  Oil  8 

"     10  "  Para,  "2s  1    0  0 

"     14  "  White  Lead,  at  3d.  ?  n    7  n 

"     14  «  Red  Lead,     "  3d.  $ 

"      li  "  Yellow  Sulphur,  0    0  3 

Total,     59  lbs.  at  3d.  per  lb.,  Mill-costs  0  14  9 

Total,       -       -      -  2  13  8 

Consequently  costs  10-J-d.  per  lb. 

This  is  spread  upon  flax  cloth,  (Messrs.  Richards 
&  Co.,  Broad  Street,  are  manufacturers,)  which 
weighs  10,  16,  and  32  ounces  to  the  square  yard, 
and  is  about  the  same  cost  as  the  compound,  so  that 
the  weight  is  the  truest  criterion  of  cost,  and  is  so 
calculated  by  the  manufactory.       *       *      *  * 

Excepting  garments  every  other  description  of 
black  goods  are  made  from  such  forms  as  I  have  fig- 
ured, with  very  little  variation  according  to  the  re- 
quirements of  the  engineer,  and  which  needs  very 
little  judgment  or  experience  to  meet.  To  those 
who  cling  to  these  heavy  goods,  the  formulas  I  have 
rendered  will  enaj^e  them  to  have  supplies  at  a  fair 
competing  charge  according  to  quality,  and  it  is  their 
own  fault  entirely  if  they  persist  in  purchasing  100 
per  cent,  of  cheap  powder  at  the  same  charge  as  for 
"  pure  caoutchouc  "  of  a  third  of  their  density. 


152 


ADULTERATION. 


Your  readers  must  be  good  enough  not  to  lose 
the  fact  of  "  specific  gravity,"  and  test  all  the  above 
goods  made  with  pure,  unadulterated  India-rubber, 
by  their  floating  on  water.  Any  deviation  from  this 
is  a  proof  of  some  cheap  stuff  unfairly  introduced. 
It  will  be  just  in  proportion  as  they  keep  themselves 
well  posted  up  in  this  matter,  that  manufacturers 
will  be  sly  of  throwing  into  their  caoutchouc  such 
mad  and  infamous  proportions  of  cheap  adultera- 
tions, and  drive  them  (for  they  will  not  volunteer')  to 
the  necessity  of  manufacturing  from  the- pure  gum, 
and  thus  place  better  disposed  traders  upon  a  more 
just  footing,  and  enable  the  latter  to  compete  (if  need 
be)  upon  their  own  terms,  or  upon  recipes  supplied 
by  the  engineer.  Another  fact  must  not  be  lost 
sight  of,  and  that  is  the  use  of  "  light  carbonate  of  mag- 
nesia" which,  mixed  with  the  gum,  does  not  increase 
its  density,  as  will  in  some  measure  be  illlustrated 
by  the  recipe  I  shall  now  figure  out,  merely  remark- 
ing that  a  somewhat  heavy  carbonate  was  used,  as 
well  as  in  an  unroasted,  and  hence  the  somewhat 
increased  density.  This  article  is  worth  the  atten- 
tion of  buyers  of  rubber  goods,  as  in  a  moderate 
quantity  it  reduces  the  costs  without  correspondingly 
injuring  the  manufacturer.  (Light  buffer  spring  just 
sinks  in  water.) 

Grind  together  25  lbs.  Clear  Java  Rubber, 
5   "    Para  Rubber, 
10  "   Common  Magnesia, 
25  oz.  Pure  Sulphur. 

Costs  19  cts.  per  pound —  Sells  for  60  cts.  per  pound. 

This  is  brown  at  first,  but  in  a  few  days  the 
sulphur  blows  ™«r        surface  grey  or  white,  and 


ADULTERATION. 


153 


would  lead  an  amateur  to  judge  they  were  of  that 
color  throughout.  Buffer  springs  and  other  mould- 
ed goods  from  this  compound  are  a  little  heavier 
than  Messrs.  Mackintosh  and  Co's.  A  density  rail- 
way spring,  at  4s.  per  lb.  gross,  and  were  made  at 
first  to  meet  it,  also  sold  at  2s.  6d.  per  lb.  net.  It 
is  a  most  useful  spring,  and  in  competition  should  be 
bought  at  Is.  3d.  to  Is.  6d.  per  lb.  net,  but  I  should 
strongly  recommend  that  engineers  try  a  substitute 
of  all  "  Java  gum,"  by  obtaining  a  few  away  from 
their  usua,7  manufacturer,  on  trial,  as  I  believe  their 
quality  as  a  spring  would  not  be  injured,  and  the  price 
would  be  reduced,  and,  moreover,  it  would  guard 
against  the  manufacturer  being  left  tempted  to  do 
so,  without  reducing  the  charge. 

For  the  guidance  of  engineers,  I  remark,  that  a 
spring  of  this  quality  and  dimensions,  4ix2Jxl, 
pressed  to  half  an  inch,  showed  3J  tons  on  the  dial, 
and  one  with  equal  quantities  of  oxide  of  zinc  and 
magnesia,  of  same  size,  &c,  indicated  1J  tons  on 
equal  pressure,  while  the  quality  of  Mackintosh  and 
Co's.,  referred  to  before,  and  of  which  this  was  an 
intimation,  marked  If  tons  on  the  dial ;  of  course, 
a  spring  with  a  smaller  bore  than  2J  inches  would 
show  greater  tonnage. 

The  next  recipe'  is  for  grey  packing,  which  is  large- 
ly and  exclusively  used  by  some  dealers  for  marine 
engines,  &c,  as  well  as  in  sheet;  and  if  the  price 
(3s.  6d.  per  lb.)  was  not  excessive  for  so  much  adul- 
terated matter,  I  would  pass  it  over  in  silence  as  a 
very  fair  and  useful  article,  and  if  approved,  my 
form  will  enable  the  engineer  to  obtain  it  much 
cheaper  by  competition. 

7* 


154 


ADULTERATION. 


Say  then, 

Grind  together  25  lbs.  Para  Rubber, 

5  "  Cleaned  Java, 
16   "  Oxide  of  Zinc, 

6  "  Carbonate  of  Magnesia, 

3   "  Porcelain  or  Cornwall  Clay, 

2   "  Red  Lead, 

30  oz.  Pure  Sulphur. 

So  that  it  costs  25  cts.  per  lb.,  and  hence  I  submit 
that  75  cts.  per  lb.  is  excessive,  with  discount  from 
10  to  20  per  cent.  Unless  the  magnesia  in  this 
packing  is  well  calcined  it  will  cut  porous,  but  does 
not  show  its  valves  cut  to  shape  before  vulcanizing. 
It  may  seem  I  lay  too  much  stress  upon  high  prices, 
and  if  the  goods  were  bought  in  trifling  quantities, 
it  would  carry  argument ;  but  as  the  orders  are 
usually  large,  and  show  good  monied  invoices,  there 
is  a  wide  margin  for  reduction  ;  besides  in  many 
cases  these  long  prices  prohibit  the  use  of  caout- 
chouc. The  prices  are  about  right  if  the  goods 
were  of  pure  India-rubber. 

******** 

I  ought  to  remark  that  in  all  formulas  which  I 
use,  Para  rubber  is  used,  which  is  now  nearly  four 
times  the  cost  of  Java,  and  is  frequently  more.  This 
circumstance  has  for  some  time  been  attracting  the 
attention  of  manufacturers,  and  bids  fair  to  shut  out 
almost  the  use  of  the  former  in  all  goods  confined 
in  moulds  to  vulcanize.  I  would  call  the  especial 
attention  of  engineers  to  this  fact,  as  Java  materially 
reduces  the  cost,  and  needs  very  little  judgment  on 
their  part  to  adopt  it  in  these  forms,  in  place  of  the 
expensive  kind.    I  do  not  say  it  is  so  strong  a  gum 


ADULTERATION. 


155 


as  Para,  but  I  feel  certain  that  the  manufacturers 
will  be  awake,  and  use  it,  without  perhaps  yielding 
the  advantage  out  of  their  own  factories,  and  there- 
fore it  is  necessary  for  consumers  to  try  how  far  they 
can  "  assist  themselves  "  without  their  benevolence, 
especially  as  "Java  gum"  is  now  so  readily  and 
cheaply  cleansed  of  all  dirt  or  gritty  matter.  These 
remarks  apply  to  the  recipe  I  now  hand,  which  is 
termed  —  best  pure  spring,  or  washers,  &c. 

Grind  together  30  lbs.  Para  Gum, 
5   "    Oxide  Zinc, 

2  "    Carbonate  Magnesia, 

3  "    Common  Chalk, 

2   "    Porcelain  or  Cornwall  Clay, 
30  oz.  Pure  Sulphur. 

This  costs  about  33  cts.  per  lb.  and  is  sold  at  $1  per 
lb.,  and  though  heavier,  is  intended  to  meet  Messrs. 
Mackintosh  and  Go's,  article  at  $1 12J.  The  difference 
in  density  renders  the  latter  the  cheapest  to  the  con- 
sumer, while  the  reduced  price  of  the  former  catches 
the  unsuspecting  trader  in  these  goods,  and  frequent- 
ly obtains  his  preference. 

The  companion  quality  to  the  above  for  large 
valves,  and  packing  sheets,  is  made  as  follows,  and  is 
styled — best  pure  packing. 

Grind  together  30  lbs.  Para  Rubber, 
5   "    Oxide  Ziuc, 
5   "    Porcelain  or  Cornwall  Clay, 
28  oz.  of  Pure  Sulphur. 

This  costs  about  31  cts.  per  lb.  and  is  sold  at  $1 
per  lb.,  and  is  a  trifle  heavier  than  the  pure  spring 
quality. 


156 


ADULTERATION. 


It  will  be  perceived  that  sometimes  pure  sulphur 
is  used,  and  sometimes  the  common  flour  of  sul- 
phur; the  former  is  thought  to  render  the  goods 
more  soft  and  velvety,  but  the  difference  in  their 
relative  cost  is  very  wide,  and  the  writer  will  not 
undertake  to  say  how  far  the  marketable  value  of 
the  goods  is  improved,  but  thinks  it  will  be  admitted 
that  their  intrinsic  value  to  engineers  is  not  altered 
in  any  way. 

I  may  here  observe,  that  carbonates  work  best  in 
all  moulded  goods,  but  not  otherwise,  and  it  is  neces- 
sary they  should  be  retained  therein  until  quite  cold, 
or  they  swell  out  of  shape  ;  but  in  packing,  &c,  vul- 
canized openly,  oxides  should  be  selected,  as  there  is 
little  or  no  chemical  action  with  sulphur  or  heat.  I 
have  made  no  mention  in  these  papers  of  very  finely 
pulverized  talc,  or  French  chalk,  which,  from  its 
cheapness,  if  well  bought,  and  its  being  unaffected  by 
heat,  and  its  slippery  nature,  is  invaluable  as  a  top 
dressing,  well  rubbed  in,  upon  the  surface  of  all  white 
goods  for  open  vulcanizing,  as  well  as  dusting  the 
sheet  zinc  upon  which  they  are  laid.  It  is  equally 
valuable  in  all  goods  cured  in  rolls,  such  as  medical 
sheeting,  &c,  and  renders  entirely  unnecessary  the 
rays  of  the  sun  afterwards,  needing  only  to  be  wiped 

off  with  a  dry  cloth  after  vulcanizing. 

***** 

There  are  many  most  respectable  manufacturers, 
and  these  should  have  their  sense  of  honorable  integ- 
rity acknowledged,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  be  protect- 
ed from  their  inferiors  in  morality.  In  writing  these 
papers  off  hastily  ,  one  is  really  tempted  to  get  into  a 


ADULTERATION. 


15? 


violent  rage  with  this  vicious  system ;  especially  when 
one  calls  to  mind  that,  no  sooner  does  an  ingenious 
man  invent  something  really  valuable  and  useful,  but 
these  kidnapping  and  adulterating  traders  counterfeit 
the  same  instantly,  and  render  their  make  to  all  ap- 
pearance (and  to  the  unsuspecting)  equally  good, 
though,  in  reality,  not  so,  being  merely  cheapened  by 
this  adulterating  and  tricky  system.  Added  to  which, 
4  if  the  originator  is  not  very  sharp  in  obtaining  his  pro- 
tection for  the  really  valuable  service  he  has  render- 
ed to  science,  and  to  the  sale  of  which  he  is  looking 
very  naturally  and  justly,  as  a  remuneration  of  what 
may  have  probably  cost  the  inventor  many  days  and 
nights  of  weariness,  and  possibly  involved  the  spend- 
ing of  his  money  capital,  and  perhaps,  even  besides, 
months  of  labor,  disappointment,  poverty,  and  sorrow, 
I  say,  if  he  is  not  very  quick  in  his  protection,  the 
unblushing  effrontery  and  impudence  of  these  6 '  sec- 
ond hand  people  "  will  rob  him  of  the  whole.  I  be- 
lieve no  pen  can  sufficiently  protest  against  those  in- 
dividuals who  thrive  "  and  make  haste  to  become 
rich  "  from  the  oozings  of  other  men's  brains.  Theirs 
is  the  basest  class  of  felony  our  laws  cannot  reach, 
and,  consequently,  their  infamous  and  nefarious  habit 
continues  unheeded  and  untouched,  and  often  (be- 
cause unknown)  unscorned.  This  applies  to  caout- 
chouc. Special  reference  to  particular  manufactures 
must  be  discussed  another  day  ;  but,  if  I  am  rightly 
informed,  Mr.  C.  Goodyear  especially,  and  others,  to 
some  extent,  have  suffered  from  these  copyists  very 
egregiously  and  seriously.  Though  my  testimony 
would  be  confirmed  by  our  best  men  in  every  branch 


158 


ADULTERATION 


of  trade,  where  there  is  scope  for  genius.  I  must  not 
digress,  and  trust  you  will  excuse  my  hasty  protest 
against  this  counterfeit  coin. 

I  will  therefore,  at  once,  hand  you  the  formula  for 

COMMON  WHITE  BUFFER-KINGS,  WASHERS.  ETC. 

Grind  30  lbs.  Java  caoutchouc, 
"     18   "    Oxide  of  zinc, 
"      6   "    Carbonate  of  magnesia, 
"      6  "    Clean  chalk  or  whiting, 
"      2   "    Flour  of  sulphur. 

This  costs  about  13  cents  per  lb.,  and  is  sold  at  50 
cents  per  lb.,  and,  as  you  will  perceive,  contains  about 
110  per  cent,  of  adulterating  matter.  Considering- 
the  mass  of  foreign  substances  in  the  above  formula, 
(and  yet  sold  under  the  name  of  "  caoutchouc," 
which  should  be  pure  Java  gum,  of  less  than  half  the 
density,  for  a  great  deal  less  than  50  cents  gross  price), 
one  is  almost  astonished  that  the  "  gum-elastic " 
should  retain  any  of  its  original  liveliness,  mixed  up 
with  so  much  dead  weight ;  but  so  it  is,  as  I  shall 
show,  by  stating  that  a  buffer-ring  (4J  X  2J  X  1  ins.) 
of  this  quality  exactly,  and  of  the  same  size  as  those 
of  which  I  gave  the  tonnage  in  your  Magazine  of  the 
24th  of  October,  indicated,  on  the  same  being  pressed 
to  half  an  inch,  4J  tons  on  the  dial.  Of  course  the 
weight  of  the  ring  was  fully  double  those  then  re- 
marked upon,  arising  from  increased  density  by  adul- 
teration. Pursuing  the  same  subject  of  density,  I 
have  observed  that  these  manufacturers  have  been 
compelled  to  charge  less  than  the  actual  weight  of 
their  goods,  as  the  people  at  Berlin  would  not  pay 
caoutchouc  price  for  so  much  rubbish.    This  in  the 


ADULTERATION.  159 

"  good  old  red-lead  time,"  when  the  manufacturers, 
.with  more  faith  than  judgment,  considered  they  could 
not  include  too  much  of  that  metal,  but  they  have 
since  become  more  crafty  and  subtle,  and  use  it  less 
.madly.  I  weighed  a  cylinder  or  spring  some  few 
months  since,  of  which  a  like  quantity  are  now  in 
use  by  the  London  and  North-western  Railway,  and,  I 
expect,  at  their  station  at  Wolverton,  which  contain- 
ed at  least,  100  to"  130  per  cent.of  cheap,  heavy  adul- 
teration; and  yet  they  paid  Is,  6d.  per  lb.  in  quantity 
nett.  The  size  was  6J  X  2J  X  4,  and  weighed  close 
upon  6  lbs.  I  should  say,  if  the  charge  had  been  9d. 
per  pound,  no  manufacturer  could  need  a  better  trade, 
hence  I  have  chosen  to  throw  a  little  "  free  trade 
light"  upon  the  subject. 

The  washer  trade  is  a  very  lucrative  one  to  the  man- 
ufacturers, being  principally  cut  from  the  spare  or 
waste  ends  unavoidable  in  the  make  of  springs,  cylin- 
ders, and  buffer-rings. 

I  will  now  give  you  the  formula  for  what  is 
termed 

HYPO-CLOTH    FOR  WATER-PROOF  COATS,  &C. 

Grind  30  lbs.  Clean  Java  gum, 
"      5  "   Lamp  black, 
"     11  "  Dry  chalk,  or  whiting, 
"      5  "   Sulphuret  of  lead. 

Costing  about  12J  cents  per  pound. 

Sometimes  the  Para  gum  is  used  in  this  mixture ; 
but,  though  better,  its  use  is  not  considered  impera- 
tive if  the  Java  caoutchouc  is  well  cleansed.  A 
cured  coat,  well  vulcanized,  is  a  great  improvement 
in  all  respects  upon  the  filthy  naptha  or  varnish 


160  ADULTERATION. 

coat,  and  should,  when  competition  is  thrown  into 
the  market,  exceed  it  very  little  in  charge.  As  long 
as  the  calico  upon  which  these  are  run  is  covered, 
the  thinner  that  covering  the  better  ;  and  by  far  the 
best  I  have  seen  are  made  by  Messrs.  Mackintosh  and 
Co.,  Moulton  &  Co.,  Moses,  Son  &  Davis.  I  have 
seen  some  very  bad  ones,  ill-shaped,  non-vulcanized, 
and  altogether  only  useful  in  bringing'  the  better  make 
into  unjust  dislike  by  the  public.  *  The  sooner  these 
latter  daubs  are  improved,  or  withdrawn  from  sale, 
the  better  for  the  reputation  of  the  India-rubber 
garment  dealers.  The  cloth  upon  which  the  material 
is  spread  wei^s  about  four  ounces  by  the  yard,  and 
therefore  the  quantity  of  gum  on  each  article  is 
readily  assessed,  and  the  scale  will  determine  which 
are  lightest  and  best  for  a  storm. 

The  article  termed  "  sulphuret  of  lead "  in  the 
formula,  is  the  chemical  I  have  before  remarked  upon, 
and  the  screen  or  blind,  nick-named  {for  reasons 
therein  explained)  "  hypo,"  and  is  only  useful  in  so 
far  as  it  is  an  excellent  black  pigment,  which  is  only 
of  importance  in  the  garment  branch  of  the  trade. 

ADULTERATION  OP  TNDIA-RUBBER,  IN  CONNECTION  WITH 
THE  MANUFACTURE  OP  INVALID  WATER  MATTRESSES 
AND  CUSHIONS. 

There  is  no  necessity  for  the  monstrous  charges 
at  present  made  for  these  goods,  and  hence  I  desire 
to  open  up  the  subject  fearlessly.  The  amount  of 
adulteration  necessary  to  bring  up  the  desired  color, 
is  from  4  to  10  per  cent  of  the  pigment  termed  oxide 
of  zinc ;  but  the  formula  used  for  the  manufacture 


ADULTERATION. 


161 


of  the  water  or  air  mattresses  and  cushions  referred 
to,  contains  about  thirty-five  per  cent,  of  this  cheap 
substitute  for  India-rubber.  In  writing  thereon  I 
take  leave  to  state  at  the  outset,  that,  like  the  "  air," 
or  Mackintosh  cushions  or  pillows  we  have  known 
for  so  many  years,  they  can  be  had  of  any  size  or 
shape,  and  differ  from  them  in  being  of  pure  caout- 
chouc, or  elastic  gum,  (ininus  the  adulteration)  in- 
stead of  only  a  thin  coating  of  pure  gum,  upon  a 
cloth  or  non-tlastic  foundation.  Hence  their  in- 
creased value  to  medical  men  in  preventing  bed 
sores,  &c. 

In  my  judgment,  what  is.  understood  in  these  days 
by  the  word  "  humbug,"  has  gained  such  ascend- 
ancy over  common  sense,  that  honorable  people,  who 
disdain  to  practice  it,  are  so  out-distanced  by  the 
many  who  do,  that  they  lose  thereby  several  of  the 
chances  of  trade.  This  "  popular  pet  humbug  "  is, 
therefore,  largely  dealt,  in  by  puffing  advertisers 
(even  in  these  articles)  who  perpetually  issue  illus- 
trated catalogues,  &c,  under  the  word  "patent," 
where  none  exists,  u  Improved  Hydrostatic  Water 
Mattresses,"  "  Inventor"  and  "  sole  manufacturer," 
and  a  host  of  other  fanciful  and  attractive  names, 
through  our  Post  Office,  to  the  whole  medical  pro- 
fession in  the  United  Kingdom,  as  well  as  to  the 
staff  of  medical  men  connected  with  all  the  Hospi- 
tals, Poor  Law  Union  Infirmaries,  East  India  and 
other  companies,  &c.,  and  these  mattresses  are  now 
in  use  at  most  of  such  establishments  ;  and  if  the 
retail  prices  were  not  highly  extortionate,  and  alto- 
gether beyond  all  reasonable  limit,  I  would  not  throw 
the"  sunshine"  upon  this  valuable  medical  appliance. 


162 


ADULTERATION. 


It  just  strikes  my  memory  that  there  is  a  quiet  noti- 
fication in  the  interior  of  the  envelopes  of  these  circu- 
lars, that  a  discount  of  12J  per  cent,  is  allowed  to 
the  "  profession,"  (but  which  some  refuse.)  I  may 
as  well  add,  that  these  dealers,  of  course,  have  no 
exclusive  right  to  the  above  names,  as  they  would 
lead  the  public  to  infer,  the  manufacture  being-  as  free 
as  the  air  we  breathe  ;  and  of  "  hydrostatics,"  they 
understand  about  as  much  as  they  c(g  about  general 
"  chemistry,"  and  I  am  quite  sure  that  of  the  latter 
exquisite  science  they  know  only  just  as  much  as  the 
letterer  can  actually  embody  and  make  inherent 
in  the  words  he  may  be  instructed  to  paint  on  the 
door  posts  or  facia  outside.  It  is  a  melancholy  truth, 
that  this  lettering  is  now  accepted  as  proof  that  the 
"professor"  inside,  is  in  fact,  a  "practical"  or 
"  operative  chemist,"  though  he  may  live  and  keep 
shop  at  the  west  end  of  the  metropolis,  and  exhibit 
a  framed  notification,  that'  he  is  a  member  of  the 
"  Pharmaceutical  Society  of  Great  Britain,"  but  with- 
out examination. 

It  is  incredible,  moreover,  how  these  people,  by 
their  presumption,  even  seem  to  deceive  medical  prac- 
titioners, judging  from  the  numerous  "  good  names  " 
they  append  to  some  of  their  valueless  compounds  of 
exhausted  roots.  In  many  cases  beyond  the  capacity 
of  informing  an  inquirer  why,  in  "  camphorated  spir- 
it "  the  addition  of  "  water "  precipitates  free  cam- 
phor, (to  use  a  figure)  they  know  no  more  of  chemis- 
try than  the  writer's  "  foot ;  "  and  yet  if  one  had  not 
daily  experience  and  proof  that  true  science  is  modest 
and  retiring,  one  would  be  liable  to  put  these  "  profes- 
sors "  down  as  real  living  "  Faradays,"  "  Herapaths," 


ADULTERATION. 


163 


"Redwoods,"  and  other  equally  illustrious  chemists 
instead  of  quacks.  Excuse  the  digression,  but  these 
characters  who  disgrace  an  intellectual  science,  will 
cross  one's  mind  in  writing. 

Returning  to  the  water  mattresses,  I  will  show  in 
figures,  in  the  manufacturer's  price  in  1850,  and  the 
manufacturer's  charge  in  May,  1856,  (and  it  must  be 
less  at  this  moment,)  and  the  uniform  retail  price,  and 
to  this  latter  I  invite  the  special  attention  of  your 
readers,  and  ask  them  carefully  to  note  the  retailer' s 
profit  on  each,  and  decide  the  advantage  to  be  derived 
from  purchasing  of  the  manufacturer.  1  have  no  per- 
sonal interest  in  any  of  them.  I  will  ,show  also  their 
usual  sizes,  and  their  weight,  as  they  are  all  sold  by 
the  manufacturers,  on  this  basis. 

I  trust  this  may  stir  up  increased  demand  for  so 
useful  and  necessary  an  article  for  the  alleviation  of 
human  suffering,  the  use  of  which  the  immense  retail 


profits  have  hitherto  prohibited  among  the  middle  and 
humbler  classes. 

The  formula  for  water  mattresses  and  cushions  — 
(India-rubber)  is : — 

s.  d. 

1  lb.  Fara  Gum  (in  sheet,)  2  0 

(Present  cost,  Is,  7d.,  per  lb.) 

6  oz.  Oxide  Zinc,  0  1-J 

1  oz.  Pure  Sulphur,  (common  equally  good,)  0  1^ 

Mill  costs,   '6 

2  5 

Or  Is,  7d.  per  lb. 

Say  of  the  above  compound,                            1  0 

Making  waste,  0  | 

Grinding,  running,  cleaning  and  vulcanizing,  0.  6 

Add  3'6£  mill  profit,  or  0  10 

is  I  .....3  2 per  lb. 


164 


ADULTERATION. 


This  is  the  price  per  pound  the  weight  should  be 
estimated  at.  The  mattresses  vary  in  size  from 
8  +  14  inches  to  48  -f  72  —  some  with  cells  —  some 
without  cells.  The  retail  profits  on  these  goods,  over 
the  manufacturer's  prices,  in  1856,  ranged  from  13s, 
6d,  to  X7,  6s. -r- according  to  the  size  of  the  mattress. 
Or  in  American  currency,  from  about  $300  to  $36.00 
profit  on  single  mattresses. 

Should  so  servicable  an  article  be  thus  clogged  and 
fettered  by  such  immoderate  charges  by  the  retail 
shop-keepers  ?  It  may  probably  be  a  guide  to  some  of 
our  readers  to  state,  the  best  size  pillow  is  17  -f  22, 
and  that  the  celled  mattresses  27  +  30,  and  30  +  40, 
are  found  most  useful,  and  of  adequate  length  to  sup- 
port the  trunk  of  invalids,  and  admit  the  other  por- 
tion of  the  body  to  rest  upon  the  usual  feather  bed, 
and  thus  steady  a  weak  patient ;  as  a  full  length  mat- 
tress of  elastic  gum,  33  +  72  is  beyond  the  safe  con- 
trol of  such  invalids. 

The  retailer,  for  obvious  reasons,  recommends  the 
larger  mattresses,  and  which  are  not  returnable,  even 
if  the  patient  dies  before  they  reach  him. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


VALUABLE  RECIPES,  ETC. 

PURIFYING  GUTTA-PERCHA. 

H.  H.  Day,  of  New  York,  has  obtained  a  patent 
in  England  tor  extracting  from  gutta  percha  a  pecu- 
liar etheric  oil  which  it  contains,  preparatory  to  its 
being  subjected  to  the  process  of  vulcanization,  by 
submitting  it  to  the  action  of  a  liquor  which  dissolves 
out  the  etheric  oil,  and  also,  at  the  same  time,  by 
acting  upon  the  woody  matter,  disengages  the  sand 
acting  upon  the  wooay  matter,  disengages  the  sand 
or  other  foreign  substances  held  therewith.  This 
liquor  is  composed  of  caustic  potash  (hydrate  of 
potassa)  dissolved  in  water,  with  an  ether  formed 
from  a  solution  of  chloride  of  lime  and  alcohol 
added,  and  after  the  crude  gutta-perclfa  is  placed 
therein  the  whole  mass  is  heated  to  a  boiling  point, 
and  so  kept  for  about  nin:  hours,  and  then  treated 
between  rollers  under  water,  in  the  ordinary  manner. 
When  taken  out,  the  gum  will  consist  of  a  pure  and 
solid  mass,  resembling  India-rubber,  and  fully  equal 
to  it  in  fineness,  and  in  the  readiness  with  which  it 
may  bo  worked  to  prepare  it  for  the  additional  pro- 
cess of  vulcanization. 

166 


166 


VALUABLE  RECIPES,  ETC. 


PURIFICATION  OF  GUTTA-PERCHA, 

By  James  Reynolds,  of  New  York  City.  Gutta- 
percha, in  the  raw  state  in  which  it  is  imported,  con- 
tains large  quantities  of  bark,  dirt,  and  foreign  sub- 
stances. In  the  common  processes  of  manufacture 
these  cannot  be  extracted,  and  bad  results  often 
ensue.  For  example,  in  the  covering  of  telegraph 
wires,  holes  are  often  left  wherever  foreign  substances 
are  present,  and  thus  the  insulation  is  impaired. 
The  only  method  heretofore  employed,  for  preventing 
the  quality  of  the  manufactured  article  from  being 
too  much  injured  by  the  presence  of  these  impurities, 
has  been  to  reduce  the  bark  and  dirt  into  fine  par- 
ticles, by  long-continued  and  tedious  grinding,  and 
then  incorporating  them  with  the  gum. 

The  object  of  the  present  improvement  is  to  effect 
the  entire  extraction  of  the  bark  and  other  foreign 
particles,  and  thus  improve  to  a  very  great  degree 
the  quality  of  the  manufactured  article.  The  inven- 
tion consists  in  first  cutting  the  gutta-percha  into 
extremely  thin  slices  or  sheets,  and  then  submitting 
it  to  heating,  rubbing,  and  screening  operations. 
Under  this  treatment  the  foreign  matters,  are  almost 
entirely  extracted,  and  the  gutta-percha  left  pure. 
This  is  a  valuable  invention. 

MARINE  GLUE. 

Take  one  pound  of  India-rubber  and  then  dissolve 
it  in  the  exact  quantity  of  naptha,  or  oil  of  tar  to 
render  it  moderately  thin,  (about  a  gallon)  to  which 
is  added  shellac,  and  the  whole  allowed  to  mascerate 


VALUABLE  RECIPES,  FTC. 


167 


for  ten  days,  until  it  attains  to  a  cream  like  consist- 
ency. After  which  more  shellac  is  added  to  make  it 
pretty  stiff,  when  it  is  heated  and  then  poured  out 
into  plates.  It  is  heated  to  250°,  when  applied. 
•  The  mixture  is  that  of  India-rubber  and  shellac  dis- 
solved in  naptha.  It  is  insoluble  in  water  and  not 
affected  by  the  heat  of  the  sun. 

INDIA-RUBBER  ARMOR. 

In  Paris  a  new  kind  of  cuirass  for  the  use  of  the 
army,  is  shortly  to  be  tried.  This  cuirass  is  of  vul- 
canized India-rubber,  about  half  an  inch  thick.  The 
thickness,  it  is  stated,  is  more  than  sufficient  to  resist 
the  action  of  a  ball  projected  from  any  kind  of  fire- 
arm. All  the  experiments  tried  have  proved  entirely 
successful.  The  force  of  the  ball  is  completely 
broken  by  the  elasticity  of  the  India-rubber,  and  it 
falls  on  the  ground  at  the  feet  of  the  person  against 
whom  it  was  sent. 

NEW  GUTTA-PERCHA  COMPOSITION. 

Alfred  H.  Gaullie,  Paris,  patentee.  This  improv- 
ed composition  is  formed  by  mixing  together  equal 
parts  of  gutta-percha  and  of  Roman  cement  reduced 
to  a  pasty  consistence  with  ox-gall.  The  operation 
of  mixing  is  to  be  performed  while  the  gutta-percha 
is  in  a  heated  and  plastic  state,  and  the  two  ingredi- 
ents must  be  well  masticated  so  as  tq  cause  them  to 
combine  intimately  together.  Any  kind  of  coloring 
matter  may  be  combined  with  the  materials  accord- 
ing to  the  effect  desired  tq  be  produced. 


168 


VALUABLE  REC1PJ0,  KTC. 


INDIA-RUBBER  VARNISH. 

A.  Ford,  of  London,  has  obtained  a  patent  for 
making  solutions  of  Jndia-rubber  and  gutta-percha, 
which  solutions  can  be  used  for  water-proofing  as 
varnish.  The  India-rubber  or  gutta-percha,  is  dis- 
solved in  warm  turpentine  or  naptha.  The  turpen- 
tine, or  naptha,  is  prepared  by  mixing  a  caustic 
alkali,  such  as  potash,  in  it  —  one  pound  to  the  gal- 
lon —  then  agitating  them  in  a  suitable  vessel,  and 
allowing  them  to  stand  for  about  three  days,  when  a 
dark  colored  residuum  is  found  at  the  bottom.  The 
clear  liquor  is  then  poured  off  and  used  for  dissolv- 
ing the  India-rubber.  It  is  stated  that  this  makes 
a  very  beautiful  varnish. 

WATER-PROOFING  OIL. 

A  patent  has  been  obtained  by  Alex.  Parkes,  of 
Bury  Port,  Wales,  for  a  preparation  of  oils  similar 
in  its  nature  to  the  improvement  of  Mr.  Daines.  He 
treats  oils  with  the  chloride  of  sulphur,  which  chang- 
es their  character,  rendering  them  similar  to  vulcan- 
ized India-rubber,  and  insoluble  in  mineral  naptha 
and  sulphuret  of  carbon.  He  heats  about  2  parts  by 
weight,  of  the  chloride  of  sulphur  with  8  parts,  by 
weight,  of  oil,  up  to  about  250°,  when  the  combina- 
tion of  the  two  is  effected.  This  vulcanized  oil,  it 
is  stated,  can  be  mixed  with  gutta-percha  or  India- 
rubber,  to  cheapen  the  manufactured  articles  made 
from  these  materials.  This,  apparently,  is  also  an 
important  invention. 

Mr.  Parkes  has  also  taken  out  a  patent  for  a  var- 
nish made  of  gun  cotton  dissolved  in  alcohol,  or  any 


VALUABLE  RECIPES,  ETC. 


169 


solvent  of  gun  cotton.    This  varnish  is  transparent, 

and  he  applies  it  to  coat  silk,  sewing  cotton,  thread, 
leather,  plaster,  wood,  &c,  to  render  them  water- 
proof. Gun  cotton  dissolved  in  chloroform  is  a  well 
known  varnish. 

INDIA-RUBBER  TEETH. 

This  article,  in  the  form  of  purified  white  India- 
rubber,  has  been  patented  in  England,  for  making 
artificial  teeth,  gums,  and  palates.  By  its  adoption, 
many  advantages  hitherto  impossible  to  be  attained, 
have  been  introduced.  The  adhesion  is  complete,  it 
can  be  moulded  with  perfection,  to  suit  every  in- 
equality of  the  gums  and  teeth,  and  supplies  an 
artificial  periosteum,  as  it  were,  to  the  teeth,  when 
become  painful  by  the  wasting  away  of  the  gum, 
added  to  these  is  the  elasticity  of  the  material,  which 
completely  obviates  the  inconveniences  that  arise 
from  any  motion  with  artificial  teeth,  as  made  by 
other  means. 

EMERY  PAPER. 

The  Moniteur  Lidustriel  mentions  an  ingenious 
method  of  obtaining  fine  emery  paper  for  polishing 
metals.  ^Strips  of  paper  coated  with  fresh  starch- 
size  are  hung  on  ropes  at  different  altitudes  in  a 
small  room,  which  is  afterwards  carefully  closed. 
A  quantity  of  fine  emery  is  then  blown  in  by  means 
of  a  ventilator,  through  an  aperture  left  for  the  pur- 
pose, by  which  means  a  dense  cloud  of  emery  dust 
fills  the  room,  but  only  the  finest  particles  rise  in  the 
air  to  a  sufficient  height  for  them  to  be  deposited  on 


170 


VALUABLE  RECIPES,  ETC. 


the  upper  slips ;  those  of  the  second  row  receive  a 
somewhat  coarser  sort,  and  so  on,  while  such  parti- 
cles as  are  too  heavy,  and  therefore  too  coarse  for 
delicate  polish,  fail  to  the  ground  at  once.  Thus 
emery  paper  of  different  degrees  of  fineness  may  be 
obtained  by  a  single  operation,  and  sorted  with  math- 
ematical certainty. 

SULPHURIZED  OIL  PAINT. 

At  a  recent  meeting  of  the  Society  of  British  Ar- 
chitects, J.  B.  Daines  stated  that  by# subjecting  eight 
parts  (by  weight)  of  linseed  oil  and  one  part  of  sul- 
phur ,to  a  temperature  of  21 8Q,  in  an  iron  vessel,  he 
obtained  a  species  of  paint  possessing  singularly  pre- 
servative properties.  Applied  to  the  surface  of  a 
building  with  a  brush,  it  effectually  keeps  out  air  and 
moisture,  prevents  deposits  of  soot  and  dirt,  and  pre- 
serves the  beauty  of  the  stone,  wood,  or  brick-work  to 
which  it  is  applied.  It  has  long  been  known  that  a 
portion  of  sulphur  can  be  dissolved  in  oil,  but  until 
recently  such  a  composition,  as  a  paint  or  varnish, 
has  attracted  no  notice  ;  in  fact,  its  preservative  and 
impervious  qualities  when  dry,  were  unknown.  It  is 
Well  known  to  chemists  that  sulphur,  (the  substance 
employed  to  give  body  to  the  oil,)  is  unalterable  in  the 
air,  and  is  not  acted  on  by  moisture  ;  hence*its  qual- 
ity as  a  preservative  for  coating  the  outside  of  struc- 
tures exposed  to  the  weather.  It  is  capable  of  pre- 
serving plaster  of  Paris  figures  exposed  to  the  air, 
also  monuments,  and  buildings  of  the  brown  free- 
stone, which  are  liable  to  detrition,  from  the  action  of 
the  weather.    It  is  stated  that  it  improves  the  color 


VALUABLE  RECIPES,  ETC. 


171 


of  the  stone  to  which  it  is  applied,  as  well  as  preserves 
it ;  therefore  it  is  a  most  useful  paint,  and  deserves  to 
be  very  generally  employed. 

INDIA-RUBBER  AND  COAL  TAR. 

Mr.  C.  Goodyear  has  recently  taken  out  a  patent 
in  England,  for  a  new  compound,  composed  of  India- 
rubber  and  coal  tar  vulcanized  with  sulphur.  Coal 
tar  is  heated  in  an  open  boiler  until  it  acquires 
the  consistency  of  melted  rosin,  when  it  is  mixed 
with  India-rnbber,  in  proportions  which  may  vary 
according  to  the  charaoter  of  the  material  to  be 
produced  for  a  specific  purpose.  It  is  mixed  with 
sulphur  and  then  heated  to  vulcanize  it. 

LIQUID  GLUE. 

Dissolve  two  pounds  of  strong  glue  in  one  quart  of 
water,  in  a  glue  kettle,  or  in  a  water  bath  ;  when  the 
glue  is  entirely  melted,  add  little  by  little  to  the 
amount  often  ounces  of  strong  nitric  acid.  This  ad- 
dition produces  an  effervescence  due  to  the  disengage- 
ment of  hyponitric  acid  ;  when  the  whole  of  the  acid 
is  added,  remove  the  vessel  from  the  fire  and  leave  it 
to  cool. 

Glue  thus  prepared,  kept  in  a  stopped  flask,  will 
remain  good  for  two  or  three  years. 

ENORMOUS  STRENGTH  OF    GUTTA-PERCHA  TUBING. 

A  series  of  interesting  experiments  have  just  been 
concluded  at  the  Birmingham  Waterworks,  relative 
to  the  strength  of  gutta-percha  tubing,  with  a  view  to 
its  applicability  for  the  conveyance  of  water.  The 


172 


VALUABLE  RECIPES,  ETC. 


experiments  were  made  (under  the  direction  of  LTen- 
ry  Rolfe,  Esq.,  engineer,)  upon  tubes  three-qnarters 
of  an  inch  in  diameter  and  one  eighth  of  gutta-per- 
cha.  These  were  attached  to  the  iron  main,  and  sub- 
jected for  two  months  to  a  pressure  of  200  feet  head  of 
water,  without  being  in  the  slightest  degree  deterior- 
ated. In  order  to  ascertain  if  possible,  the  maximum 
strength  of  the  tubes,  they  were  connected  with  the 
Water  Company's  Hydraulic  Proving  Pumps,  the 
regular  load  of  which  is  250  lbs.  on  the  square  inch. 
At  this  point  the  tubes  were  unaffected,  and  the  pump 
was  worked  up  337  lbs.,  but  to  the  astonishment  of 
every  one  the  tube  still  remained  perfect.  It  was 
then  proposed  to  work  the  pump  up  to  500  lbs.,  but 
it  was  found  that  the  lever  of  the  valve  would  bear 
no  more  weight. 

The  utmost  power  of  the  hydraulic  pump  could  not 
burst  the  tubes. 

The  gutta-percha  being  somewhat  elastic,  allowed 
the  tubes  to  become  slightly  expanded  by  the  extra- 
ordinary pressure  which  was  applied,  but  on  its  with- 
drawal, they  resumed  their  former  size. — London  Me- 
chanics' Magazine,  Vol.  LL 

CHEAP  AND  SIMPLE  METHOD  OF  MAKING  LEATHER  WATER- 
PROOF. 

Two  pounds  of  tallow,  a  pound  of  hog's  lard,  a  half 
pound  of  turpentine,  and  the  same  quantity  of  bees- 
wax are  melted  together  in  an  earthen  pipkin.  The 
boots  and  shoes  are  dried  and  warmed,  and  the  com- 
position is  well  rubbed  into  them  with  a  piece  of  tow 
dipped  into  it ;  the  articles  being  held  near  a  hot  fire 


VALUABLE  RECIPES,  ETC. 


173 


until  they  have  imbibed  as  much  as  they  can  take  up. 
This  mixture  is  used  with  very  good  effect  by  sports- 
men. 

Another  mixture  for  the  same  purpose,  which  is 
much  used  by  fishermen,  is  applied  in  the  same  way. 
It  consists  of  a  pound  of  bees-wax,  a  half  pound  of 
rosin,  and  the  same  quantity  of  beef-suet. — Morfit. 


BOO  K  I  V. 


CHAPTER  L 

GUTTA-PERCHA  PATENTS- 

Gutta-Percha  is  destined  to  exert  a  very  important 
influence  in  commerce  and  manufactures.  Since  its 
discovery  it  has  made  rapid  strides  as  a  useful  and 
important  agent  in  the  arts.  Its  uses  may  be  said  to 
be  innumerable,  and  although  it  was  discovered  but 
a  few  years  since,  it  has  completely  superseded  other 
substances,  which  were  before  regarded  as  indispen- 
sable. Our  object  is  to  give  to  manufacturers  and  all 
interested  in  the  use,  history,  or  application  of  this 
gum,  as  much  insight  as  possible  into  the  patents 
which  have  been  issued  in  relation  to  it,  both  in  Eng- 
land, France,  and  the  United  States.  We  have  very 
carefully  examined  all  the  English  works  which  treat 
upon  the  subject,  and  shall  give  a  faithful  history  of 
all  that  has  been  written  upon  it  which  is  of  practical 
importance  to  the  shoe  manufacturer.  A  better 
knowledge  of  its  properties  and  uses  cannot,  we 
think,  be  obtained  than  is  set  forth  in  the  various 
patents  and  communications  which  have  been  issued. 

174 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


175 


Here  may  be  found,  not  only  a  general  idea  of  gutta- 
percha as  a  gum,  but  the  results  of  scientific  investi- 
gation, application,  and  analysis.  We  have,  there- 
fore, carefully  avoided  all  the  superfluous  technicali- 
ties connected  with  patent  papers,  except  such  as  are 
important  to  the  object  proposed,  and  selected  only 
such  as  will  ba  of  real  importance  to  the  shoe  manu- 
facturer, or  the  scientific  enquirer. 

The  first  patent  ever  issued  in  England,  and  which 
may  be  considered  as  the  master  patent,  was  taken 
out  by  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  of  London. 
Patent  dated  March  11,  1845.  Specification  enrolled 
September  11,  1845. 

After  reciting  the  specification,  the  patent  describes 
the  properties  of  the  gum. 

First.  It  is  of  a  highly  comb  stible  quality,  being 
chiefly  composed  of  carbon  and  hydrogen,  while  at 
the  same  time  it  inflames  only  at  a  very  high  degree 
of  heat,  and  is  not  injuriously  affected  by  any  known 
degree  of  atmospheric  heat. 

Second.  It  is  soluble  in  essential  oils,  but  resists, 
to  a  great  extent  the  action  of  grease  and  unctous 
oils. 

Third.  It  mixes  readily  with  paints,  pigments, 
and  most  other  coloring  matter. 

Fourth.  It  is  repellent  of,  and  unaffected  by  cold 
water  or  damp. 

Fifth.  It  may  be  so  softened  by  mere  immersion 
in  hot  water,  or  by  exposure  to  steam  or  hot  air,  as 
to  be  capable  without  further  treatment,  of  being 
kneaded  or  moulded,  or  rolled  out,  or  spread  in  any 
desired  shape,  and  to  any  extent  of  tensity. 


176 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


Sixth.  It  is  of  a  strongly  adhesive  or  agglutinat- 
ing quality,  and  when  dry  is  free  from  stickiness. 

Seventh.  In  the  dry  or  solid  state  it  is  flexible,  of 
great  tenacity,  and  to  a  slight  degree  elastic. 

Eighth.  It  is  impermeable  to,  and  not  injuriously 
affected  by  atmospheric  air. 

Ninth.    It  is,  in  a  pure  state,  nearly  inodorous. 

Tenth.  It  is  little,  if  at  all  injured  by  use,  (except 
as  fuel),  and  may,  after  it  has  been  employed  in  a 
manufactured  state,  be  recovered  or  renovated,  and 
manufactured  anew. 

In  some  of  these  properties,  namely,  its  adhesive, 
and  water  and  air  repellent  properties,  gutta-percha 
resembles  caoutchouc,  or  India-rubber,  but  it  is  ad- 
vantageously distinguished  from  it  in  its  freedom 
from  stickiness  when  dry,  in  its  not  being  so  affected 
by  atmospheric  heat,  or  by  unctuous  oils,  and  in  its 
being  workable  by  means  of  hot  water  alone. 

[The  patentee  then  described  how  this  substance  may  be  applied, 
either  by  itself,  or  in  combination  with  other  materials.] 

1st.  Artificial  Fuels.  —  Five  different  sorts  are 
described,  the  peculiarity  in  all  of  which  consists  in 
the  substitution  of  the  gutta-percha,  in  different  forms 
or  proportions,  for  the  coal  tar,  or  other  agglutiniz- 
ing  substance  ordinarily  employed. 

2d  and  3d.    Artificial  mastics  and  cements. 

The  gutta-percha  is  directed  to  be  first  freed  from 
the  fibrous  and  foreign  matters  with  which  it  it  usu- 
ally found  intermixed,  when  first  imported,  after 
which  it  is  to  be  applied  in  any  one  of  the  three 
states,  namely,  1st,  a  plastic  state  ;  2d,  a  granular 
or  pulverized  state  ;  and  3d,  a  state  of  solution. 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


177 


PLASTIC  APPLICATIONS. 

The  kneading  machinery  is  similar  to  that  used  in 
the  manufacture  of  rubber.  When  it  is  desired  to 
give  to  the  mass  of  gutta-percha  a  greater  degree  of 
elasticity  than  is  natural  to  it,  I  mix  up  and  incor- 
porate with  it,  while  it  is  going  through  the  kneading 
machine,  either  a  portion  of  caoutchouc  or  a  portion  of 
sulphur,  or  portions  both  of  caoutchouc  and  sulphur. 

The  following  are  good  average  proportions :  about 
three  parts  caoutchouc  for  every  six  parts  of  gutta- 
percha, or  one  part  of  sulphur  for  every  eight  parts 
of  gutta-percha,  or  two  parts  of  caoutchouc,  and  one 
part  of  sulphur  for  every  six  parts  of  gutta-percha. 
When  caoutchouc,  however,  is  employed  to  increase 
the  elasticity  of  the  gutta-percha,  a  degree  of  heat,  of 
not  less  than  150°  Fahrenheit  is  necessary  to  effect 
the  amalgamation  of  the  two  substances.  The  caout- 
chouc is  most  conveniently  introduced  into  the  ma- 
chine at  the  same  time  with  the  gutta-percha,  but 
the  sulphur  should  be  dropped  into  and  upon  the 
gutta  percha  from  time  to  time,  and  in  small  quanti- 
ties at  a  time.  The  gutta-percha  takes  up  the  other 
materials  readily,  and  the  whole  are,  at  the  end  of 
the  process,  thoroughly  amalgamated.  Should  it  be 
desired  to  give  any  color  to  the  mass,  the  requisite 
pigment  or  coloring  matter  is  introduced  in  the  same 
manner  as  the  sulphur,  and  also  in  small  quantities 
at  a  time.  The  coloring  matter  penetrates  every  part 
of  the  mass,  and  becomes  perfectly  amalgamated  and 
identified  with  it.  The  gutta-percha  may  be  also 
improved  in  smoothness,  by  incorporating  with  it 
some  pulverized  French  or  Turkey  chalk,  or  other 
8* 


178 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


soft  powder,  adding  it  in  same  way  as  the  sulphur, 
or  should  it  be  desired  to  make  it  rough,  and  abra- 
"ve,  it  may  be  mixed  up  with  some  ground  emery, 
d,  or  other  hard  substance,  in  a  granular  state. 
***** 

There  are  other  combinations  in  which  the  gutta- 
percha in  its  plastic  state,  intimately  mixed  or  blended 
with  other  materials,  as  for  example  :  —  There  may 
be  added  to  the  gutta-percha,  while  in  the  kneading 
machine,  paper  pulp,  wood  dust,  leather  dust,  hair 
bristles,  oakum,  <fcc,  (taking  care  when  they  are  not 
in  a  comminuted  state,  to  cut  them  up  small)  and 
compound  fabrics  will  be  thus  produced  very  suitable 
for  paring,  roofing,  sheathing,  and  other  purposes. 

APPLICATIONS  IN  STATE  OF  SOLUTION. 

As  before  stated  the  gutta-percha  may  be  dissolved 
in  most  of  the  essential  oils,  and  by  the  application  of 
a  gentle  heat,  the  patentee  states  that  he  prefers  using 
for  the  purpose,  rectified  naptha,  or  rectified  oil  of 
turpentine.  It  may  also  be  applied  in  a  state  of 
solution  to  rendering  water  and  air  proof,  or  cement- 
ing the  various  articles  to  which  gutta-percha  has 
been  before  stated  to  be  applicable  for  these  purposes 
in  a  plastic  state,  when  sulphur  imposed  upon  or 
between  the  surfaces  of  articles.  It  may  be  applied 
in  this  fluid  state,  to  the  saturation'  of  cordage  of  all 
sorts,  in  order  to  increase  its  strength,  and  render  it 
water  proof,  and  as  a  size  for  stiffening  silks,  ribbons, 
and  other  fabrics.  And  lastly,  it  may  be  employed 
in  this  liquid  state  mixed  with  colors,  for  printing 
silk,  cotton,  leather,  and  other  fabrics. 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


179 


R.  A.  Brooman  caused  another  patent  to  be  issued, 
under  date  of  March  27,  1845. 

The  invention  comprehended  under  this  patent 
is  stated  to  have  for  its  object  the  "  the  manufacture 
of  a  thread  of  great  strength  and  durability,  and 
perfectly  water-proof,  from  the  substance  called 
gutta-percha,  and  the  application  thereof  to  the 
manufacture  of  piece  goods,  ribbon,  paper,  and  other 
articles." 

The  specification  then  describes  the  manner  in 
which  this  object  is  carried  out.  The  machinery  is 
very  simple.  It  consists  of  a  die-box  kept  hot  by 
steam,  from  the  bottom  of  which  a  number  of  small 
tubes  project  downwards  into  a  tank  filled  with  cold 
water  ;  and  a  cylinder  and  piston  mounted  on  the 
top  of  the  box.    The  mode  of  operation  is  as  follows : 

A  roll  of  the  prepared  gutta-percha  is  introduced 
into  the  cylinder  immediately  above  the  die-box. 
The  piston  is  then  replaced,  and  forced  steadily 
downwards  by  hand  or  other  suitable  power  upon  the 
gutta-percha,  which,  becoming  softened  at  the  lower 
end  by  contact  with  the  hot  die-box,  escapes  from 
the  pressure  through  the  tubes  in  a  series  of  threads, 
which,  as  they  drop  into  and  are  cooled  in  the  wa^er 
in  the  tank,  and  carried  around  a  roller,  whence  they 
are  conducted  to  and  wound  upon  a  set  of  revolving 
reels,  after  the  manner  of  hand-spinning,  that  is,  by 
working  the  thread  between  the  fingers  and  thumb  ; 
the  thread  may  be  stretched  about  four  times  the 
original  length.  The  threads  are  then'wound  off  on 
bobbins  and  ready  for  use. 

I  twist  and  spin  .two  or  more  such  threads  together 


180 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


into  one  round  thread,  by  means  of  a  bobbin  and  fly 
frame,  such  as  is  used  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton. 
Besides  giving  to  the  gutta-percha  threads  the  desired 
roundness,  these  whirling  and  twisting  processes  have 
the  effect  of  greatly  improving  them,  in  point  of 
elasticity. 

******** 
A  strong,  and  perfectly  water-proof  fabric  is  formed 
by  simply  laying  a  number  of  gutta-percha  threads 
side  by  side  upon  a  foundation  of  cotton  or  linen,  or 
other  textile  fabric,  and  passing  the  two  materials 
between  heated  rollers,  which  have  the  effect  of  ce- 
menting the  threads  firmly  to  the  cloth  and  to  one 
another  ;  and  such  fabrics  may,  by  using  the  threads 
of  different  sizes  and  color,  have  every  nicety  of 
striped  appearance  given  them. 

Articles  resembling  diaper,  or  mosaic  work,  are 
made  of  gutta-percha  threads  of  different  colors  or 
shades,  very  rapidly  and  economically.  In  the  manu- 
facture of  paper,  an  article  very  difficult  to  rend,  and 
which  will,  therefore,  be  found  extremely  suitable  for 
documents  exposed  to  much  tear  and  wear,  as  bills 
of  exchange,  certificates,  also  for  wrappers,  envelopes 
of  all  sorts  is  formed  by  interposing  between  two 
sheets  of  paper  pulp  threads  of  gutta-percha,  laid 
cross-wise  like  net  «work,  at  distances  of  an  inch  or 
two  apart,  more  or  less,  and  combining  the  two  sheets 
by  any  suitable  machinery  as  heated  rollers.  The 
gutta-percha  thread  may  also  be  plaited  either  in  the 
naked  or  sheet  state,  into  hats,  cans,  bonnets,  or  into 
bags,  baskets,  basket  work,  or  into  coverings  for  chairs 
as  a  substitute  for  cane,  or  into  whips,  bridles,  reins, 


ENGLISH   PATENTS.  181 

or  into  any  other  similar  articles  —  and  finally,  cord- 
age of  great  strength  may  be  made  by  twining  to- 
gether threads  of  gutta-percha  with  threads  of  flax, 
or  other  durable  fibrous  material,  by  the  same  pro- 
cesses as  are  ordinarily  followed  in  the  manufacture 
of  the  different  sorts  of  cordage. 

The  following  described  Patent  for  improvements 
in  Boots,  Shoes,  Gaiters,  &c,  is  of  great  importance, 
inasmuch  as  it  fully  describes  the  method  of  manu- 
facture, the  solution  used,  &c.  It  will  be  observed 
that  Mr.  Keene  mixed  caoutchouc  or  India-rubber 
with  gutta-percha.  This  process  is  now  found  to  be 
very  detrimental  to  the  durability  of  the  boot,  shoe  or 
gaiter,  inasmuch  as  a  rubber  mixture  is  sure  to  be- 
come decomposed  by  the  oils  in  the  upper  stock  or 
soles.  It  also  renders  the  shoe  a  nasty,  sticky  mass, 
making  it  impossible  to  repair  them.  The  process 
has  been  tried  here,  evidently  a  copy  of  the  Keene 
patent.  After  an  expenditure  of  thousands  of  dol- 
lars, the  manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes  by  this 
admixture  of  India-rubber  has  been  abandoned  as 
impracticable. 

Gutta-percha,  on  the  contrary,  is  not  affected  by 
oils,  and  here  is  the  grand  secret  of  the  success  and 
triumph  of  boots  and  shoes  cemented  by  it.  Goods 
of  various  descriptions,  including  boots  and  shoes, 
were  largely  manufactured  in  England,  between  1845 
and  1848,  which,  being  made  with  a  mixture  of  India- 
rubber  and  other  foreign  matter,  were  thus  rendered 
valueless.  In  six  months  after  many  of  these  varie- 
ties of  elegant  fabrics  were  put  into  the  market,  they5 


182 


ENGLISH  PATFNTS. 


were  discovered  to  be  a  sticky  mass  of  worthless 
trash,  or  where  the  rubber  was  omitted  became  brittle 
like  glass.  Whereas,  goods  that  were  manufactured 
from  the  pure  gutta-percha,  such  as  picture  frames,  Sfc, 
remained  uninjured  to  the  present  day,  and  are  now 
apparently  as  firm  and  indestructible  as  when  first 
made. 

Here  follows  the  Patent. 

Charles  Keene,  of  Sussex  Place,  Regent's  Park, 
Esq.,  for  improvements  in  Boots  and  Shoes,  Gaiters, 
Overalls,  and  other  like  articles.  Patent  dated  May 
29th  :  Specification  enrolled  November  29th,  1845. 

My  improvements  in  boots,  shoes,  gaiters,  over- 
alls, and  other  like  articles  of  apparel,  consist  in 
rendering  the  same  more  or  less  weather  and  water- 
proof, and  more  easy  of  wear,  by  the  application  of 
the  same,  in  whole  or  in  part,  of  the  substance  re- 
cently imported  from  the  East  Indies  called  gutta- 
percha. 

First.  I  coat  the  pieces  of  leather,  or  other  ma- 
terial, of  which  the  boots,  shoes,  gaiters,  overalls,  or 
other  articles  of  apparel,  are  made,  on  either  one  or 
both  sides,  with  a  solution  of  gutta-percha,  or  a 
solution  of  gutta-percha  mixed  with  a  portion  or 
portions  of  caoutchouc,  or  sulphur,  or  coloring  mat- 
ter, or  any  other  substance  or  thing  which  may  be 
calculated  to  improve  the  quality  of  the  said  solution 
as  directed  and  explained  in  the  specification  of 
certain  letters  patent,  of  date  March  11th,  1845, 
granted  to  Richard  Archibald  Brooman,  for  "  certain 
improvements  in  the  preparation  and  application  of 
artificial  fuels,  mastics,  and  cements,"  and  this  I  do 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


183 


either  once,  twice,  or  oftener,  according  to  the  thick- 
ness of  the  solution,  and  the  thickness  desired  to  be 
given  to  the  coating ;  and  sometimes,  instead  of  so 
coating  the  whole  of  the  said  pieces,  I  coat  those 
pieces  which  are  likely  to  be  most  exposed  to  the 
weather  or  wet,  as  for  example,  the  outer  sole  and 
upper  leathers  only. 

Second.  I  protect  in  like  manner  the  said  pieces 
of  leather,  or  other  material,  some  or  all  of  them, 
by.  covering  the  same,  either  on  one  or  both  sides, 
with  a  layer  or  layers  of  gutta-percha  in  the  plastic 
state,  or  of  gutta-percha  combined  in  the  said  plastic 
state  with  a  portion  or  portions  of  caoutchouc,  or 
sulphur,  or  coloring  matter,  or  of  French  chalk,  or 
other  soft  powder,  as  directed  in  the  aforesaid  specifi- 
cation of  the  patent  of  Richard  Archibald  Brooman, 
applying  the  said  layer  or  layers  by  the  means  and  in, 
the  mode  also  described  in  the  said  specification. 

Third.  Instead  of  either  coating  or  covering,  as 
aforesaid,  the  materials  of  which  the  boots  and  other 
articles  before  mentioned  are  made,  I  sometimes  inter- 
pose between  the  same  or  certain  portions  of  the 
same,  as  for  example,  between  the  inner  and  outer 
soles,  or  between  the  upper  leathers  and  linings, 
pieces  of  gutta-percha  in  any  of  the  sheet  states  in 
which  it  is  manufactured  under  the  said  patent  of 
Richard  Archibald  Brooman. 

Fourth.  I  manufacture  boots,  shoes,  gaiters,  over- 
alls, and  other  like  articles,  in  whole  or  in  part,  of 
a  compound  fabric,  formed  and  described  by  the 
specification  of  the  said  Richard  Archibald  Brooman, 
by  adding  to  the  gutta-percha  while  in  the  kneading 


18i 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


machine  (whether  previously  combined,  or  not  com- 
bined with  caoutchouc  or  sulphur,  or  coloring  matter, 
or  French  chalk,  or  other  soft  powder,  as  aforesaid) 
a  portion  of  leather,  dust,  or  hair,  or  bristles,  or 
ground  cork,  or  woolen  shearings,  or  other  membran- 
ous or  fibrous  substances,  in  a  finely  comminuted  state. 

Fifth.  I  also  manufacture  boots,  shoes,  gaiters, 
and  other  like  articles,  in  whole  or  in  part,  of  a 
certain  other  fabric  which  is  directed  in  the  specifi- 
cation of  the  said  Richard  Archibald  Brooman  to  be 
formed  by  saturating  a  bat  or  fleece  of  cotton  wpol, 
or  other  fibrous  material,  with  a  solution  of  gutta- 
percha, or  a  mixed  solution  of  gutta-percha  and 
caoutchouc ;  preferring,  however,  for  the  purpose 
of  this  part  of  my  invention,  such  bats  or  fleeces, 
as  have  been  saturated  with  a  solution  containing  in 
it  a  portion  more  or  less  of  sulphur  and  of  some 
coloring  matter. 

Sixth.  I  make  boots  and  shoes,  and  the  other  arti- 
cles aforesaid,  of  gutta-percha,  or  of  a  mixture  of 
gutta-percha  and  caoutchouc,  either  sulphurized  or 
not  sulphurized,  all  in  one  piece,  without  sewing  or 
stitching,  as  usual,  by  casting  the  same  in  cored 
moulds,  made  of  the  required  form  of  the  boot,  shoe 
or  other  article.  I  either  fill  the  mould  with  the 
material  in  a  state  of  hot  solution,  and  leave  it  to 
cool,  or  I  fill  it  with  the  material  in  a  granular  state  ; 
heat  the  mould  till  its  contents  become  in  a  pulpy 
state,  and  then  set  it  to  cool.  I  sometimes  use  a 
single  matrix  only,  and  cause  the  material  in  a  sheet 
or  in  a  plastic  state,  to  assume  the  state  of  that  ma- 
trix by  forcing  it  into  the  recesses  thereof,  by  means 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


185 


of  the  pressure  of  water  or  air,  and  sometimes  in 
order  to  give  greater  springiness  to  the  boot  or  shoe, 
or  other  article,  instead  of  casting  it  all  in  one  piece, 
I  cast  it  in  two  or  more  pieces  ;  as  for  example,  I 
cast  the  front  part  in  one  piece,  and  the  heel  or  back 
part  in  another  piece,  and  unite  the  two  parts  by 
means  of  an  interposed  piece  or  pieces  of  leather  or 
of  gutta-percha  in  the  sheet,  and  sulphurized  state, 
or  some  other  like  flexible  material. 

Seventh.  Instead  of  uniting  the  different  parts  of 
which  boots  and  shoes,  and  other  articles  aforesaid 
are  made,  by  stitching  or  sewing,  as  usual,  whenever 
any  two  of  these  parts,  or  any  one  or  two  parts  con- 
sists of  gutta-percha,  or  of  a  mixture  of  gutta-percha 
and  caoutchouc  in  any  of  the  sheet,  states  aforesaid, 
I  pass  a  hot  iron  over  the  joint  or  joints,  which  causes 
the  two  surfaces  to  adhere  firmly  together. 

Eighth.  I  take  boots,  shoes,  gaiters,  overalls,  and 
other  articles  as  they  are  now  ordinarily  made  of 
unsulphurized  caoutchouc,  and  greatly  improve  the 
same  in  point  of  smoothness  of  texture,  and  capability 
of  resisting  variations  of  temperature  by  exposing 
them  for  from  thirty  to  sixty  minutes  to  the  fumes  of 
sulphur,  in  a  close  vessel,  heated  to  a  temperature  of 
210  to  250  degrees  more  or  less,  or  immersing  them 
for  the  same  length  of  time  in  a  bath  of  melted  sul- 
phur. In  either  case,  in  order  to  prevent  the  articles 
from  sticking  to  one  another,  they  should  be  done 
over  with  a  paste  made  of  French  chalk,  flour  and 
water,  and  that  paste  allowed  to  dry  before  subject- 
ing them  to  the  action  of  the  sulphur.  Boots,  shoes, 
and  other  articles  made  in  whole,  or  in  part  of 


186 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


unsulphurized  gutta-percha,  may  be  treated  in  the 
same  way,  but  I  prefer  incorporating  the  sulphur  in 
the  first  instance  with  the  gutta-percha,  when  it  is  in 
the  state  of  solution,  or  in  the  plastic  state,  or  in  any 
of  the  other  states  of  preparation  and  combination 
aforesaid. 

Lastly.  I  improve  the  shoes  of  horses  by  laying 
upon  and  securing  to  the  upper  part  of  the  same,  a 
sheet,  or  layer  of  sulphurized  gutta-percha,  or  of 
sulphurized  caoutchouc,  or  by  making  the  same  wholly 
of  either  of  the  said  materials.  In  the  former  case, 
the  sheet  or  layer  of  sulphurized  gutta-percha,  and 
sulphurized  caoutchouc,  may  be  either  attached  to 
the  shoe  by  rivets,  before  it  is  applied  to  the  foot,  or 
it  may  be  laid  loosely  between  the  shoe  and  foot 
when  the  horse  is  being  shod,  and  be  made  fast 
by  passing  the  shoe  nails  through  it.  It  affords  a 
soft  and  yet  firm  footing  to  the  animal,  and  resists, 
without  injury  to  its  shape,  very  high  degrees  of  heat 
and  pressure. 

The  following  described  patent  was  taken  out  by 
Charles  Hancock,  of  Grosvenor  Place,  for  "  certain 
improvements  in  the  manufacture  of  gutta-percha,  and 
its  application  alone,  and  its  combination  with  other 
substances."    Patent  dated  Jan.  12,  1846. 

In  copying  these  patents  our  aim  is  to  make  perfect- 
ly plain  and  clear  to  all  interested,  certain  chemical 
facts,  compounds  and  the  like,  which  produce  desired 
results,  and  which  have  thus  far  been  preserved,  as 
profound  secrets.  For  example,  in  selecting  certain 
claims  or  descriptions  in  the  Hancock  Patent,  we  here 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


187 


describe  the  process  of  making  and  applying  varnishes 
to  India-rubber  shoes,  etc.,  which  varnishes  are  per- 
fectly sweet,  "  shutting  in  "  all  disagreeable  odors, 
from  sulphur  and  other  combinations. 

These  varnishes  may  be  applied  to  leather  or  cloth, 
giving  them  a  beautiful  glossy  exterior,  also  render- 
ing them  water-proof. 

The  inventor  says  —  "  My  invention  consists  firstly, 
in  certain  improved  methods  of  preparing  gutta-per- 
cha for  manufacturing  purposes.  If  the  gutta-percha 
to  be  operated  upon,  is  not  very  impure,  it  may  be  at 
once  submitted  to  the  process  hereafter  described. 

*  *  *  *  jmpUre?  the  gutta-percha  may  be 
cleansed  by  the  process  as  laid  down  by  R.  A.  Broo- 
man,  March  y,  1845." 

Mr.  Hancock  continues  — "  According  to  one  of 
my  improved  methods  of  preparing  gutta-percha,  I 
place  it  in  a  plastic  state  in  a  cylindrical  screw  press, 
kept  hot  by  a  steam  jacket,  or  otherwise,  and  having 
the  bottom  perforated  with  numerous  holes,  and 
squeeze  it  through  the  strainer  and  perforated  bottom, 
from  which  it  falls  in  a  much  purified  state." 

This  operation  may,  if  necessary,  be  repeated ;  I 
then  transfer  the  gutta-percha  in  this  purified  state, 
to  a  masticating  machine,  such  as  is  commonly  em- 
ployed in  the  preparation  of  caoutchouc,  and  kept  hot 
by  any  suitable  means,  and  work  and  knead  the  gut- 
ta-percha until  it  is  brought  to  the  consistence  of 
dough  or  putty.  According  to  another  of  my  modes 
of  preparing  gutta-percha,  instead  of  passing  it 
through  the  screw-press,  as  before  described,  I  take 
he  plastic  mass  and  pass  it  a  number  of  times  between 


188 


^ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


heated  rollers,  kept  hot  by  hot  water,  steam,  or  any- 
other  convenient  means.  Or,  thirdly,  I  take  the  gut- 
ta-percha as  imported,  and  dissolve  it  by  means  of  rec- 
tified oil  of  turpentine,  or  any  other  suitable  solvent, 
and  filter  the  solution  while  warm,  through  flannel, 
or  felt,  or  fine  wire  gauze,  after  which  I  distil  off  the 
solvent,  and  evaporate  the  residuum  to  the  consist- 
ence of  dough  or  putty. 

Secondly,  "  My  invention  consists  in  making  a 
compound,  elastic,  water-repellent  substance  for  man- 
ufacturing purposes,  by  combining  gutta-percha  with 
an  elastic  and  water-repellent  substance,  called  "  jin- 
tawan."  I  combine  the  two  substances  in  a  mastica- 
tor, and  then  operate  upon  the  two  materials  by  that 
machine  ;  at  the  same  time  adding  any*  coloring  mat- 
ter that  may  be  desired,  continuing  the  operation  of 
the  machine,  until  they  are  intimately  blended  to- 
gether. And  I  make  the  triple  combination  of  £  gut- 
ta-percha,' 'jintawan,'  and  'caoutchouc,'  and  by 
means  of  a  masticator,  in  the  same  manner.  For  the 
purpose  of  making  these  combinations,  I  vary  the  pro- 
portions of  the  two,  or  of  the  three  substances  which 
I  combine  according  to  the  quality  which  it  is  desired 
that  the  combined  substance  shall  possess. 

?^  3ffr 

Thirdly,  "  My  invention  consists  in  combining  gut- 
ta-percha, or  gutta-percha,  caoutchouc,  and  "jinta- 
wan  "  with  orpiment,  liver  of  sulphur  or  other  sul- 
pherets,  having  like  chemical  properties,  which  will 
enable  it  to  combine  effectually  with  the  other  articles 
above  mentioned,  and  afterwards  subjecting  the  com- 
pound substance  to  heat,  as  herein  described.    *  * 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


189 


A  good  compound  for  bands  or  tapes,  is  found  by  com- 
bining 50  parts  of  gutta-percha,  24  parts  of  "  jinta- 
wan," 20  parts  of  caoutchouc,  and  6  parts  of  orpiment. 
I  may  state  as  a  general  rule,  deduced  from  the  ex- 
periments which  I  have  made,  that  the  proportion  of 
orpiment,  or  other  sulphuret  used,  ought  not  to  ex- 
ceed 25  per  cent. 

*  *  *  *  * 

"  When  jintawan,  or  caoutchouc  is  used  in  making 
this  compound  article,  the  combination  of  the  materi- 
als will  be  much  facilitated  by  previously  moistening 
the  jintawan  and  caoutchouc,  or  such  of  them  as  are 
used,  with  rectified  oil  of  turpentine,  or  some  other 
solvent,  so  that  they  may  be  softened  in  the  manner 
aforesaid.  The  orpimented,  or  sulphurated  compound 
is  next  to  be  exposed  to  a  heat  of  from  300°  to  340°, 
for  a  period  varying  according  as  the  temperature  is 
higher  or  lower.  With  a  heat  of  300°  Fahrenheit,  I 
keep  the  article  exposed  to  it  for  about  sixty  minutes  ; 
with  a  heat  of  340°,  for  about  fifteen  minutes  only. 
The  required  heat  may  be  obtained  by  means  either 
of  high  pressure  steam,  or  water  heated  under  pres- 
sure, or  of  hot  air. 

***** 

"  I  consider  the  use  of  sulphur  to  be  objectionable, 
bocause  of  the  offensive  smell  which  it  imparts  to  the 
article,  and  of  the  tendency  which  sulphur  has  to  ef- 
fervesce, or  exude  from  thetsurface  of  it.  And  there- 
fore I  prefer  the  use  of  orpiment  or  some  other  sul- 
phuret which  will  combine  more  effectually  with  the 
other  component  parts  of  the  article. 


190 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


Fourthly,  "  My  invention  consists  in  a  mode  of  ren- 
dering gutta-percha,  or  a  combination  of  that  sub- 
stance with  6  jintawan  '  and  caoutchouc,  or  either  of 
them,  of  a  light,  porous,  and  spongy  texture,  forming 
a  species  of  artificial  sponge,  suitable  for  stuffing  or 
forming  the  seats  of  chairs,  cushions,  mattresses,  sad- 
dles, horse  collars,  buffers,  and  for  many  other  useful 
purposes. 

*  *  *  *  * 

"  To  gutta-percha,  which  is  intended  to  be  made 
porous  or  spongy,  for  such  purposes  as  aforesaid,  must 
be  added  about  10  per  cent,  of  rectified  spirit  of  tur- 
pentine* or  other  proper  solvent,  and  the  whole  mixed 
together  by  any  convenient  means.  And  if  any  of 
the  above-mentioned  compounds  of  gutta-percha  is  in- 
tended to  be  similarly  treated,  the  caoutchouc  or 
"  jintawan"  used  therein,  must  be  previously  dissolv- 
ed in  from  100  to  200  per  cent,  of  a  similar  solvent, 
the  quantity  of  solvent  being  more  or  less,  according 
as  the  product  is  intended  to  be  more  or  less  spongy 
and  elastic.  To  the  article  which  is  intended  to  be 
made  porous  and  spongy,  must  be  added  alum  or  car- 
bonate of  ammonia,  or  some  other  description  of  vol- 
atizable  substance. 

"  If  the  article  which  is  intended  to  be  made  porous 
and  spongy,  is  required  to  be  made  more  permanent- 
ly soft  and  elastic,  it  should  be  combined  orpiment, 
liver  of  sulphur,  or  a  sulnjiuret,  in.  the  same  way  as 
described  in  the  third  part  of  my  invention.  A  por- 
tion of  sulphur  may,  in  such  a  case,  be  used,  but  I 
prefer  orpiment,  liver  of  sulphur,  or  a  sulphuret,  for 
the  reasons  I  have  before  stated. 

"  The  article  which  is  intended  to  be  made  spongy 


English  patents. 


191 


and  porous  must  then  be  thoroughly  mixed  with  from 
ten  to  twenty  per  cent,  of  alum,  carbonate  of  ammonia, 
or  some  readily-volatizable  substance,  either  in  the 
masticating  machine,  or  by  any  other  convenient 
means.  The  material  thus  prepared,  may  be  put  into 
moulds,  or  forms,  or  upon  trays,  or  confined  in  such  a 
way  as  to  cause  it  to  assume  the  form  which*  it  is  in- 
tended to  possess.  The  material  is  then  put  into  an 
oven  or  chamber,  heated  by  steam  or  other  convenient 
means,  to  a  temperature  of  from  250°  to  260°  of 
Fahrenheit,  at  which  temperature  the  article  must  be 
kept  from  one  to  two  hours,  according  to  the  desired 
result.  The  effect  of  the  exposure  of  the  article  to 
this  high  temperature  will  be  to  drive  off  the  solvent 
with  which  it  has  been  mixed,  and  at  the  same  time, 
the  alum,  carbonate  of  ammonia,  or  other  volatiliza- 
ble  substance  before  mentioned,  cause  the  article  to 
swell,  and  will  render  it  porous  and  spongy.  When 
the  article  has  been  exposed  to  this  temperature  for 
about  one  hour,  it  will  be  in  the  most  porous  and 
spongy  state,  and  if  the  operation  is  further  prolonged, 
the  effect  will  be  to  render  it  less  elastic  and  more 
rigid. 

Fifthly,  "  My  invention  consists  in  imparting,  by 
the  following  process,  to  gutta-percha  and  its  various 
combinations  with  caoutchouc  and  "  jintawan,"  when 
orpimented  or  sulplmreted  as  aforesaid,  almost  any 
degree  of  hardness  and  tenacity,  without  injury  to  its 
water-repellent  properties.  I  take  the  gutta-percha, 
or  gutta-percha  compound,  after  it  has  gone  through 
the  process  described  under  the  third  head  of  this  spe- 
cification, and  while  it  is  yet  in  a  plastic  state,  and 


192 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


press  it  into  moulds,  which  I  bind  tightly  together 
with  iron  plates,  screws  and  nuts.  I  then  place  these 
moulds  in  a  chamber  or  vessel,  raised  by  steam  or  hot 
air  to  a  temperature  of  from  300°  to  380°,  for  from 
one  to  five  or  six  days,  varying  the  degree  of  heat  and 
the  time  of  exposure  to  it,  according  to  the  degree  of 
hardness  and  tenacity  required,  after  which  I  set  the 
moulds  aside  to  cool  slowly.  The  gutta-percha  and 
gutta-percha  compounds  may  be  so  hardened  by  this 
means,  as  to  be  turned  in  the  lathe,  like  wood  or  ivo- 
ry. And  they  are  thus  rendered  applicable  to  a  great 
variety  of  purposes,  for  which  they  could  not  in  any 
other  state  be  suitable,  such  as  picture-frames,  knife 
and  sword  handles,  door-handles  and  panels,  walking- 
sticks,  chess-men,  seal-holders,  paper-cutters,  combs, 
flutes,  musical-keys,  buttons,  pulleys,  ornamental  and 
architectural  decorations,  &c. 

"  The  material  may  be  either  at  once  formed  into 
any  of  these  articles,  by  making  the  moulds  of  the 
form  and  figure  of  the  articles  ;  or  it  may  be  produc- 
ed in  the  first  instance  in  plain  blocks,  and  afterwards 
cut  up  and  fashioned  at  pleasure,  by  such  tools  and 
instruments  as  are  ordinarily  used  for  like  purposes. 

Eighthly,  "  My  invention  consists  in  forming  in 
manner  certain  varnishes  which  may  be  applied  to  the 
water-proofing  of  leather  or  cloth,  and  in  applying 
them  either  alone  or  mixed,  without  coloring  matter, 
to  gutta-percha  or  its  compounds,  or  to  articles  made 
from  them,  they  may  have  a  fine,  glossy  exterior  given 
to  them,  and  the  smell  of  any  ingredient  which  may 
have  been  mixed  up  with  them,  and  which  may  be  of 
an  offensive  nature,  (such  as  sulphur)  may  be  effec- 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


193 


tually  shut  in.  For  this  purpose  I  take  the  gutta- 
percha, or  gutta-percha  combined  with  "jintawan" 
and  caoutchouc,  or  either  of  them,  orpimented  or  sul- 
phureted  as  before  described,  or  sulphurize  and  dis- 
solve it  by  confining  the  mass  in  a  steam-tight  vessel, 
and  by  placing  that  vessel  in  a  chamber  heated  by 
steam  or  other  convenient  means  to  a  temperature  of 
300°  to  ^80°  Far.,  or  I  mix  gutta-percha  and  caout- 
chouc, or  gutta-percha  and  "jintawan"  (using  the 
substance  indifferently,  so  far  as  the  proportion,  one 
bears  to  the  other,)  with  sulphur  or  orpiment,  or  oth- 
er sulphuret,  in  the  proportion  before  directed  to  be 
observed,  where  these  substances  are  introduced  with 
about  eight  to  ten  parts  of  animal  or  vegetable  wax, 
or  of  animal  or  vegetable  fatty  matter,  and  then  dis- 
solved in  rectified  spirits  of  turpentine,  and  evaporate 
as  before.  As  these  varnishes  combine  readily  with 
colors,  they  afford  the  means  of  rendering  a  numerous 
class  of  articles,  such  as  elastic  rings,  bands,  bandag- 
es, straps,  &c,  much  more  extensively,  suitable  and 
vendible  than  before.  These  varnishes  mixed  with 
colors,  may  also  be  used  for  the  purpose  of  painting 
or  printing  cloth,  leather,  or  any  other  fabric.  These 
varnishes  will  also  be  found  very  useful  as  cements, 
particularly  in  combining  gutta-percha  and  its  com- 
pound, with  silk,  cotton,  and  other  textile  fabrics. 
#  #  *  *  * 

Eleventhly,  "  My  invention  consists  in  making  cards 
for  carding  cotton  and  other  fibrous  materials,  in  man- 
ner following  —  I  make  the  backs  either  of  gutta-per- 
cha alone,  spread  in  a  plastic  state  to  a  sufficient  thick- 
ness on  a  cloth,  or  felt,  or  other  suitable  foundation, 
9 


194 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


or  of  any  of  the  gutta-percha  compounds  which  are,  of 

sufficient  flexibility  and  consistence  for  the  purpose. 
And  I  insert  the  metal  teeth  in  these  backs,  according 
to  any  of  the  known  methods  followed  in  the  manu- 
facture of  such  cards. 

Twelfthly,  "  My  invention  consists  in  mixing  with 
the  gutta-percha  prepared  in  the  manner  first  herein- 
before described  and  exemplified  in  the  masticating 
machine,  shellac,  or  resin,  or  asphalte,  or  some  other 
resinous  or  bituminous  matter  ;  and  when  the  mate- 
rials are  thoroughly  amalgamated,  I  spread  the  mix- 
ture while  in  a  fluid  state,  upon  cloth  or  leather,  or 

any  other  suitable  foundation. 

*  *  *  #  # 

For  low  priced  articles,  I  sometimes  combine  caout- 
chouc and  sulphur  with  vegetable  or  Stockholm  pitch ; 
and  when  spread  into  sheets  or  made  up  into  other 
forms,  I  vulcanize  the  compound.  The  proportions 
may  be  varied  very  considerably,  as  well  as  the  tem- 
peratures at  which  they  are  vulcanized  ;  but  I  find 
the  following  to  answer  well :  8  parts  caoutchouc,  2 
sulphur,  3  pitch ;  or  8  parts  caoutchouc,  2  sulphur,  1 
pitch,  submitted  to  a  temperature  of  290°  for  an 
hour.  To  prevent  blistering  and  porosity,  if  neces- 
sary, I  employ  pressure  by  means  of  screw  cramps 
and  plates,  or  otherwise,  during  the  vulcanizing. 
This  material  is  applicable  to  railway  packing,  and 
other  rough  uses. 

1  also  combine  and  vulcanize  in  the  same  manner 
caoutchouc,  sulphur,  and  resins,  preferring  on  ac- 
count of  its  cheapness  the  common  resin  of  com- 
merce.   The  proportions  and  temperature,  as  in  the 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


195 


case  of  pitch,  may  be  varied  ;  but  the  following  I 
find  to  be  useful  for  many  purposes :  16  parts  caout- 
chouc, 2  parts  sulphur,  6  parts  resin  ;  or  16  caout- 
chouc, 4  sulphur,  2  resin.  These  compounds  may 
be  submitted  to  the  same  treatment  as  in  the  case  of 
pitch,  and  are  applicable  to  similar  uses.  For  some 
purposes,  I  also  combine  caoutchouc  and  sulphur  with 
wood  or  cork  dust,  or  fibrous  substances,  such  as 
hemp  and  flax,  or  any  other  suitable  material  cut 
into  short  lengths,  and  vulcanize  such  compounds? 
either  in  blocks,  or  spread,  or  otherwise  wrought 
into  sheets,  or  formed  into  figures,  or  embossed,  or 
ornamented  as  before  described." 

******** 

The  following  account  of  "  Parke's  Improvements 
in  Dyeing  "  will  be  found  to  be  very  important : 

I  will  now  proceed  to  describe  another  part  of  my 
invention,  which  consists  in  dyeing  caoutchouc  and 
gutta-percha  alone,  or  in  combination ;  and  after- 
wards, when  desired,  treating  those  matters  by 
changing  agents,  according  to  either  of  the  methods 
herein  described. 

To  dye  caoutchouc,  or  gutta-percha,  or  their  com- 
pounds, black,  I  boil  the  same  from  a  quarter  of  an 
hour  to  half  an  hour  in  the  following  preparation  : 
I  take  one  pound  of  sulphate  of  copper  dissolved  in 
one  gallon  of  water,  one  pound  of  caustic  ammonia, 
or  muriate  of  ammonia ;  or  I  take  and  boil  one 
pound  of  sulphate  or  bisulphate  of  potash,  and  half 
a  pound  of  sulphate  of  copper  with  one  gallon  of 
water.  To  dye  caoutchouc,  or  gutta-percha,  or  their 
compounds,  green,  I  take  one  pound  of  muriate  of 


196 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


ammonia,  half  a  pound  of  sulphate  of  copper,  two 
pounds  of  caustic  lime,  and  one  gallon  of  water,  and 
boil  as  before,  from  quarter  to  half  an  hour.  An- 
other dye  producing  a  purple  tinge,  I  obtain  by  using 
one  pound  of  sulphate  or  bisulphate  of  potash,  a 
quarter  of  a  pound  of  sulphate  of  copper,  and  a 
quarter  of  a  pound  of  sulphate  of  indigo,  and  boil 
the  caoutchouc,  or  gutta-percha,  or  compounds,  from 
one  quarter  to  half  an  hour.  The  depth  of  color 
may  be  varied  by  varying  the  proportion  of  the  in- 
gredients used.  When  it  is  wished  to  color  caout- 
chouc, or  gutta-percha,  or  their  compounds,  I  employ 
the  following  colors,  bet  do  not  confine  myself  there- 
to, nor  do  I  make  any  claim  to  the  same.  For  blue, 
those  known  in  commerce  as  Victoria  blue  and  ultra- 
marine. For  red,  vermillion,  carmine  or  rose  lake. 
For  green,  Brunswick  green  or  ascetate  of  copper. 
For  yellow,  chrome  yellow  or  oxide  uranium.  For 
white,  the  color  known  as  satin  white ;  and  I  prefer 
generally  to  use  this  color  as  a  ground  for  the  colors 
above  named,  and  I  would  here  observe,  that  the 
coloring  processes  precede -those  for  "  the  change." 

haycock's  patent. 

To  Charles  Hancock  of  Grosvenor  Place,  Middle- 
sex, London,  for  certain  improvements  in  the  prepar- 
ation of  gutta-percha,  and  in  the  application  thereof, 
alone  and  in  combination  with  other  materials,  to  man- 
ufacturing purposes  ;  which  improvements  are  also 
applicable  to  other  substances.  Sealed,  February 
10th,  1847. 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


19T 


This  invention  relates,  firstly,  to  the  methods  and 
machinery  employed  for  preparing  gutta-percha  for 
manufacturing  purposes. 

Secondly,  to  certain  improvements  or  processes 
previously  secured  to  the  present  patentee,  and  con- 
sisting in  sulphuretting  gutta-percha,  (since  called 
metallo-thionizing)  and  in  applying  these  improve- 
ments to  the  sulphuretting  of  caoutchouc  and  jin- 
tawan. 

In  the  last-mentioned  specification,  the  patentee 
recommends  that  the  sulphuretting  of  the  gutta- 
percha should  be  effected  by  means  of  sulphurets, 
such  as  orpiment  or  liver  of  sulphur,  in  preference 
to  sulphur  itself ;  and  he  there  states  that  though  a 
portion  of  sulphur  might  be  used  in  place  of  an 
equal  portion  of  sulphuret,  yet  he  conceives  the 
use  of  sulphur  to  be  altogether  objectionable,  because 
of  its  offensive  smell  and  tendency  to  effervesce.  He 
has  since  ascertained  that  if  a  minute  portion  of 
sulphur  be  used  along  with  a  sulphuret,  a  better 
result  is  obtained  from  a  combination  of  the  two  than 
from  either  substance  alone.  The  proportions  which 
he  finds  to  be  the  best  are,  6  parts  of  sulphuret  of 
antimony,  or  hydrosulphate  of  lime,  or  some  analogous 
sulphuret,  and  1  part  of  sulphur  to  48  parts  of  gutta- 
percha :  when  these  materials  have  been  mixed,  the 
compound  is  to  be  put  into  a  boiler  and  heated 
(under  pressure)  to  a  temperature  of  from  260°  to 
300°  Eah. ;  and  it  is  to  be  left  in  this  state  for  a 
period  varying  from  half  an  hour  to  two  hours, 
according  to  the  thickness  of  the  materials ;  by 
which  times  the  gutta-percha  becomes  completely 


198 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


sulphuretted  or  metallo-thionized.  The  patentee 
applies  precisely  the  same  combination  of  materials 
(i.  e.,  a  sulphuret  and  a  small  quantity  of  sulphur) 
to  the  sulphuretting  of  India-rubber  and  jintawan, 
and  in  the  same  way.  *  *  * 

The  fourth  mode  consists  in  making  a  paste  of 
the  sulphuret  and  sulphur  with  the  addition  of  a 
small  quantity  of  gutta-percha  or  caoutchouc  solu- 
tion, brushing  it  over  the  material  to  be  sulphuretted, 
and  then  subjecting  the  same  to  one  of  the  three 
processes  as  described. 

The  invention  consists,  fourthly,  in  the  following 
means  of  improving  gutta-percha,  both  in  a  sulphur- 
etted and  unsulphuretted  state,  and  in  the  applica- 
tion of  the  same  to  caoutchouc  and  jintawan  in  the 
like  conditions. 

The  patentee  either  exposes  the  material  for  a 
minute  or  two  to  the  action  of  binoxide  of  nitrogen 
gas,  (obtained  by  the  usual  method  of  dissolving  a 
metal,  such  as  zinc,  copper,  mercury,  in  nitric  acid) 
or  he  immerses  it  in  a  boiling  and  concentrated 
solution  of  chloride  of  zinc,  for  a  period  varying 
from  one  to  five  minutes,  according  to  the  strength 
of  the  solution ;  and  in  either  case,  he  afterwards 
washes  the  material  with  some  alkaline  solution,  or 
with  soft  water.  The  material  may  be  subjected  to 
the  action  of  the  binoxide  of  nitrogen  gas,  either  by 
putting  it  into  the  acid  while  the  metal  is  in  the 
course  of  being  dissolved  and  the  gas  evolved,  or  by 
introducing  it  into  a  chamber  in  which  the  gas  has 
been  collected  for  the  purpose. 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


199 


Gutta-percha  which  has  been  thus  treated  (whether 
sulphuretted  or  unsulphuretted),  becomes  exceed- 
ingly smooth  and  of  a  lustre  approaching  to  metal- 
lic :  so  also  does  common  unsulphuretted  caoutchouc 
(rubber)  with  the  addition  of  being  entirely  freed 
from  that  stickiness  peculiar  to  it,  while  sulphuretted 
caoutchouc  acquires  under  such  treatment,  all  the 
downy  softness  of  velvet.        *  *  * 

The  sixth  part  of  the  invention  consists  in  produc- 
ing a  new  compound  of  gutta-percha  by  mixing,  in  a 
masticating  machine,  six  parts  thereof  with  one  part 
of  chloride  of  zinc ;  and  in  forming  new  compounds 
of  caoutchouc  and  jintawan  by  a  like  proportional 
combination.  All  these  compounds  admit  of  being 
afterwards  sulphuretted  or  sulphurized. 

The  seventh  part  of  the  invention  consists  in  an 
improved  combination  of  materials  for  producing  a 
porous  and  spongy  gutta-percha,  fit  for  stuffing  or 
forming  the  seats  of  chairs,  cushions,  mattresses,  sad- 
dles, horse-collars,  railway  carriage-buffers,  and  other 
like  articles,  similar  to  that  described  in  the  specifi- 
cation before  alluded  to ;  and  in  the  application  of 
the  said  improved  combination  of  materials  to  the 
rendering  of  caoutchouc  and  jintawan  similarly  po- 
rous and  spongy.  The  patentee  takes  40  parts  of 
gutta-percha.  India-rubber  or  jintawan  (moistened 
when  a  very  light  product  is  desired,  with  oil  of  tur- 
pentine, naptha,  bisulphuret  of  carbon,  or  other 
proper  solvent),  6  parts  of  hydrosulphuret  of  lime, 
sulphuret  of  antimony,  or  any  other  analagous  sul- 
phuret,  10  parts  of  carbonate  of  ammonia,  carbonate 
of  lime,  or  other  substance  that  is  either  volatile  or 


200 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


capable  of  yielding  a  volatile  product,  and  one  part 
of  sulphur.  He  mixes  these  materials  together  in  a 
masticator,  and  then  subjects  them  to  a  high  degree 
of  heat,  observing  the  same  conditions  in  respect 
thereof,  which  are  set  forth  in  the  specifications 
alluded  to  ;  except  only  that  the  heat  may  be  pushed 
with  advantage  several  degrees  higher,  say  to  from 
260  to  300° 

The  ninth  part  of  the  invention  consists  in  produc- 
ing by  the  combination  of  gutta-percha,  caoutchouc 
and  jintawan,  with  other  materials,  a  fabric  of  a  per- 
manent lustre,  resembling  that  of  japanned  goods, 
and  in  giving  the  like  lustre  to  articles  made  of  any 
of  these  materials  in  a  sulphuretted  state.  The 
patentee  takes  the  gutta-percha,  caoutchouc,  or  jinta- 
wan after  it  has  been  sulphuretted,  and  either  before 
or  after  it  has  been  made  into  an  article  of  use,  and 
brushes  it  over  with  a  solution  of  resin  in  boiling  oil ; 
he  then  places  it  for  from  two  to  five  hours  in  a 
chamber  heated  to  from  75  to  100°  Fahrenheit;  and 
afterwards  polishes  it  by  the  means  and  in  the  man- 
ner usually  adopted  by  Japanners.  In  some  instances 
coloring  matters  are  mixed  with  the  Japanning  mate- 
rials, which  are  to  be  applied  by  blocks,  cylinders,  or 
rollers,  in  the  usual  way  of  floor  cloth  printing. 

RE- VULCANIZATION. 

Patent  dated  December  30th,  184  sr,  for  "  Improve- 
ment in  the  Treating  and  Manufacture  of  Gutta-per- 
cha, or  any  of  the  varieties  of  Caoutchouc."  Paten- 
tees, Thomas  Hancock,  of  Stoke  Newington,  and 
Reuben  Phillips,  of  Islington,  chemists.  Specifica- 
tions enrolled  June  30,  1847. 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


201 


The  patentees  state  that  their  improvements  con- 
sist in  the  dissolving  of  gutta-percha,  or  any  of  the 
varieties  of  caoutchouc,  or  of  reducing  any  of  them 
to  a  soft,  pulpy,  and  gelatinous  state  after  they  have 
undergone  the  process  of  "  vulcanisation  or  conver- 
sion ; "  also  in  preparing  or  treating  unvulcanized, 
or  unconverted  solutions  of  any  of  these  substances, 
so  as  to  bring  them  into  a  vulcanized  or  converted 
state ;  and,  lastly,  in  the  moulds  employed  in  the 
manufacture  of  articles  therefrom.  The  term  "  vul- 
canized" or  "converted"  are  used  to  designate  cer- 
tain processes  by  which  these  substances  are  rendered 
less  liable  to  be  injuriously  affected  by  exposure  to 
comparatively  high  temperatures,  and  which  were 
described,  the  first  in  the  specification  of  a  patent 
granted  to  Mr.  Thomas  Hancock,*  November  21, 
1843,  and  the  record  in  that  of  a  patent  granted  to 
Mr.  Alexander  Parker,f  August  25, 1846. 

The  patentees  desire  to  be  understood,  that  when 
employing  the  term  gutta-percha,  or  any  of  the  varie- 
ties of  caoutchouc,  as  refering  to  all  those  substances 
known  to  the  Indians,  or  natives  of  the  country 
where  they  are  produced,  under  the  names  of  saik- 
nah,  gutta-tuban,  gutta-percha,  jintawan,  dollah,  &c, 
in  this  country  of  bottle,  root,  sheet,  scrap,  India-rub- 
ber, <fec.  In  operating  upon  any  of  these  materials, 
which  have  previously  undergone  the  vulcanizing  or 
converting  process,  it  is  preferred  to  use  the  cuttings 
or  waste  of  them,  as  being  an  economical  application 
of  what  would  otherwise  be  useless.    These  cuttings 

*See  London  Mechanics  Magazine,  vol.  xlii.  pp.  112  and  150. 
tSee  London  Mechanics  Magazine,  vol.  xlv.  p.  400. 

9* 


202  ENGLISH  PATENTS. 

or  waste,  are  first  submitted  to  the  action  of  rollers, 
or  other  suitable  machinery  for  red  icing  them  to 
shreds,  and  then  boiled  in  oil  of  turpentine  until 
reduced  to  the  requisite  consistency.  Other  solvents 
may  be  employed,  such  as  coal,  naptha,  &c,  but  in 
that  case,  in  order  that  the  solvents  may  attain  to  a 
degree  of  temperature  sufficiently  high  to  dissolve 
the  material,  close  vessels  must  be  employed,  for 
which  reason,  oil  of  turpentine  is  preferred. 

No  fixed  rule,  it  is  stated,  can  be  given  for  the 
guidance  of  the  workman  to  enable  him  to  determine 
the  relative  proportion  of  the  material  to  the  solvent, 
the  time  for  conducting  the  operation,  or  the  degree 
of  temperature,  on  account  of  the  varieties  of  the 
material,  and  the  degree  of  vulcanization  or  conver- 
sion to  which  it  has  been  subjected ;  for  these  and 
other  details  he  must  rely  upon  his  own  intelligence, 
and  the  result  of  actual  experience. 

The  rule  which  the  patentees,  however,  state  that 
they  have  found  to  be  the  best,  under  ordinary  cir- 
cumstances, it  is  to  just  cover  the  material  when  pre- 
pared and  placed  in  the  vessel  with  the  solvent,  and 
then  to  add  about  one-third  more,  and  maintain  the 
mixture  at  the  boiling  point  of  oil  of  turpentine,  for 
about  from  15  to  30  minutes.  The  consistency  of 
the  mixture  may  subsequently  be  increased  or  dimin- 
ished by  evaporating,  or  by  the  addition  of  oil  of  tur- 
pentine, coal,  naptha,  or  other  solvent.  When  the 
material  has  been  rendered  hard  or  horny  by  vulcan- 
ization or  conversion,  the  time  necessary  to  dissolve 
it  or  reduce  it  to  a  soft  pulpy  state  would  be  so  long, 
as  to  render  the  preceding  process  worthless. 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


203 


The  mode  of  operating  under  the  second  head  con- 
sists in  mixing  from  eight  to  twelve  parts  of  sulphur, 
with  every  one  hundred  parts  of  the  solid  material 
in  solution,  and  then  subjecting  the  mixture  to  the 
necessary  degree  of  heat  to  produce  the  vulcanized 
or  converted  state. 

The  patentee  mentions  numerous  applications  of 
these  solutions,  among  which  may  be  cited  water- 
proofing, and  the  employment  of  them  as  a  medium 
for  colors  in  painting,  and  in  printing  calico,  &c. 

The  inprovements  in  moulds  consists  in  making 
them  of  a  material  easily  soluble  at  low  temperatures, 
such  as  D'Arcet's  metal,  &c,  so  that  they  may  be 
broken  up,  and  easily  removed  from  the  moulded 
article  without  injury  to  them. 

To  Anthony  LortmiSr,  London,  England.  For  im- 
provements in  combining  gutta-percha  and  caout- 
chouc with  other  materials.  (Sealed  10th  of  July, 
1848.) 

The  first  part  of  this  invention  consists  in  cutting 
gutta-percha  into  very  thin  shavings,  (which  the  pa- 
tentee prefers  to  effect  by  the  use  of  certain  describ- 
ed machinery,  or  any  other  suitable  means  may  be 
employed)  ;  then  drying  the  same  by  spreading  them 
over  any  suitable  surface,  and  afterwards  subjecting 
the  shavings  of  gutta-percha  to  the  action  of  other 
machinery,  by  which  they  are  bent  in  various  direc- 
tions and  reduced  or  divided  into  smaller  pieces  ;  by 
this  means  the  impurities  will  be  separated  without 
the  use  of  heat  or  water,  and  the  gutta-percha  render- 
ed suitable  for  use  at  a  very  small  cost. 


204 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


The  second  part  of  the  invention  consists  in  com- 
bining gutta-percha  with  burned  clay,  burned  flint, 
broken  articles  of  earthen  ware  and  china,  marble, 
Portland,  Cornish,  or  other  stones,  crushed  and  sift- 
ed, likewise  oxide  of  zinc,  oxide  of  copper,  hydrate  of 
lime,  oxalate  of  lime,  and  also  a  compound  of  lime 
slaked  with  oxalic  acid  dissolved  in  water  ;  in  prepar- 
ing this  compound,  about  three  pounds  of  acid  are 
used  to  each  bushel  of  lime  ;  the  acid  is  first  dissolv- 
ed in  a  sufficient  quantity  of  water  for  slaking  that 
quantity  of  lime  ;  and  after  the  solution  has  been  add- 
ed to  the  lime,  the  product  is  well  dried  and  sifted. 
Any  one  or  more  of  these  materials  may  be  combined 
with  gutta-percha,  with  or  without  other  materials,  so 
as  to  produce  new  compounds  of  gutta-percha,  useful 
for  moulding  articles,  or  for  making  sheets,  suitable  to 
be  cut  into  soles  for  boots  and  shoes,  straps,  bands  and 
other  articles. 

The  above  matters  are  to  be  ground  very  fine  and 
sifted  ;  and  the  gutta-percha  may  be  combined  there- 
with, by  any  convenient  means  ;  but  the  patentee  pre- 
fers to  lay  the  gutta-percha  on  a  heated  plate,  and  roll 
it  into  a  sheet,  then  to  sift  the  materials  over  the 
sheet,  and  fold  and  re-fold  the  same,  and  to  repeat  the 
rolling,  folding  and  sifting  of  the  materials,  until  the 
desired  compound  is  produced ;  or  he  rolls  the  gutta- 
percha between  two  smooth  heated  rollers,  then  dusts 
on  the  powder  and  folds  the  sheets,  and  again  and 
again  rolls  the  same  till  the  desired  mixture  is  obtain- 
ed. He  further  states  that  in  place  of  using  the 
"  welding  machine,"  he  can  employ  like  means  to 
those  just  described  for  combining  the  small  pieces  or 


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205 


shavings  of  gutta-percha  into  a  mass.  The  compound 
of  gutta-percha  may,  whilst  still  in  a  heated  state,  be 
moulded  to  any  desired  form,  or  rolled  into  sheets. 
When  great  elasticity  is  required,  caoutchouc  (India- 
rubber)  is  mixed  with  such  compounds  of  gutta- 
percha. 

Charles  Hancock,  of  Broughton,  gentleman.  For 
"  certain  improved  preparations  and  compounds  of 
gutta-percha,  and  certain  improvements  in  the  manu- 
factured articles  and  fabrics  composed  of  gutta-per- 
cha alone,  and  in  combination  with  other  substances." 
Patent,  dated  May  11,  1848  ;  specification  enrolled 
Nov.  11,  1848. 

Specification.  —  In  making  water-proof  shoes  and 
galoshoes  of  gutta-percha,  I  begin  with  casting  the 
gutta-percha  in  moulds  into  pieces  or  blocks,  of  a  form 
suitable  for  the  purpose.  *  *  *  *  I  next  take  a 
last  of  the  form  desired  to  be  given  to  the  shoe  or  ga- 
losh, and  draw  upon,  or  otherwise  fit  closely  to  it, 
some  elastic  or  flexible  material  which  may  serve  as  a 
lining  for  the  gutta-percha,  such  as  cotton  or  woolen 
cloth,  or  knitted  silk,  or  worsted,  or  cotton.  I  then 
coat  the  outside  of  this  intended  lining,  with  a  solu- 
tion of  gutta-percha  or  caoutchouc,  and  leave  it  to 
dry.  I  next  select  a  gutta-percha  block  of  the  best 
form,  adapted  in  its  general  outline  to  the  said  last, 
and,  by  heating  it  in  any  convenient  way,  bring  it  to 
such  a  plastic  state  that  it  may  be  readily  moulded  by 
the  hand.  I  warm  also  the  last,  with  its  elastic  or 
flexible  covering,  but  not  to  such  a  degree  as  to  de- 


206 


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compose  the  gutta-percha  or  caoutchouc  solution 
spread  over  it ;  and  these  preparations  having  been 
made,  I  place  the  last  upon  the  block,  adjust  by  hand 
the  one  to  the  other,  and  press  the  gutta-percha,  of 
which  the  block  consists,  into  as  close  combination  as 
may  be,  with  the  elastic  or  flexible  covering  of  the 
last.  But,  as  in  the  course  of  the  preceding  manipu- 
lations some  inequalities  of  surface  may  have  been  un- 
avoidably produced,  or  the  limits  between  the  sole 
and  the  upper  not  have  been  sufficiently  denned,  I 
once  more  bring  the  whole  into  a  warm  o^  plastic 
state,  by  dipping  the  shoe  or  galosh  (with  the  last 
still  inside  of  it)  into  hot  water,  or  by  exposing  it  to 
steam  or  hot  air,  and  then  smooth  it  carefully  all 
over.  When  it  becomes  cold  and  hard,  I  run  a  re- 
volving stile  or  other  suitable  instrument  over  the 
contour  lines,  after  which  the  last  is  withdrawn,  which 
leaves  the  shoe  or  galosh  complete.  Sometimes  I  use 
hollow  lasts  made  of  metal,  glass,  or  earthen  ware, 
and  heated  by  steam,  hot  air,  or  hot  water. 

When  made  in  the  manner  just  described,  the  arti- 
cle, though  water-tight,  is  of  a  dull  appearance  ;  but 
it  may  have  a  high  polish  given  to  it,  or  to  any  part  of 
it,  by  applying  glass  or  porcelain  moulds  to  it,  after  it 
has  undergone  the  process  last  hereinbefore  mention- 
ed, and  while  it  is  yet  in  a  warm  and  impressible 
state  ;  each  of  these  moulds  being  a  fac  simile  in  re- 
verse, in  some  portion  only  of  the  last,  (as  for  exam- 
ple, the  sole  or  the  upper)  and  not  removed,  after  be- 
ing so  applied,  till  the  materials  beneath  have  become 
quite  cold.  Shoes  made  of  gutta-percha,  on  founda- 
tions of  elastic  or  flexible  materials,  in  the  manner  be- 


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207 


fore  described,  possess  this  great  advantage  over 
others,  that  the  foundations  take  up  and  disperse  the 
perspiration  of  the  foot,  and  prevent  it  from  condens- 
ing, to  the  injury  of  the  health  and  comfort  of  the 
wearer. 

Exception  has  been  taken  to  gutta-percha  shoes  and 
galoshoes  on  account  of  their  want  of  or  deficiency  in 
springiness.  I  remedy  this,  (when  desired)  by  mak- 
ing the  block  out  of  which  the  sole  and  upper  is 
formed,  of  two  sheets  or  pieces  of  gutta-percha,  and 
interposing  between  them,  while  they  are  yet  in  a 
warm  and  plastic  state,  a  thin  plate  of  steel,  slightly 
bent  in  the  direction  from  heel  to  tip,  and  press  the 
whole  closely  together,  so  that  the  metallic  spring 
may  become  permanently  fixed,  embodied  in,  and 
combined  with  other  materials. 

Third.  I  paint  and  print  articles  and  fabrics 
made  in  whole  or  in  part  of  gutta-percha,  and  also 
other  articles  and  fabrics  of  any  color  or  colors,  and 
of  any  design  or  pattern,  by  using  as  a  vehicle  for 
the  pigments  or  other  coloring  matters,  the  following 
compound  :  I  take  one  part  of  caoutchouc  and  one 
part  of  gutta-percha,  each  dissolved  in  spirits  of 
turpentine,  (or  other  suitable  solvent,)  add  thereto 
four  parts  of  gold-oil  size  ;  mix  the  whole  of  these 
materials  together  in  a  bath  of  hot  water,  and  then 
thin  with  spirits  of  turpentine,  it  being  of  advantage 
to  use  this  compound  in  a  very  thin  state.  The  pig- 
ments or  other  coloring  matters  should  be  well 
ground  up  in  turpentine  before  they  are  mixed  with 
the  vehicle.  The  proportions  such  as  I  have  given, 
are  such  as  I  find  to  answer,  on  the  whole,  best  in 
practice. 


208 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


Iii  carrying  out  the  different  improvements  which 
I  have  herein-before  specified,  I  uniformly  prefer 
employing  such  gutta-percha,  or  compound  of  gutta- 
percha, as  has  been  prepared  by  boiling  or  by  masti- 
.  eating  it  in  a  bath  of  water  and  muriate  of  lime,  but 
to  this  mode  of  preparation  I  do  not  here  lay  any 
claim. 

To  make  a  compound  preferable  to  any  yet  in  use 
for  casting  and  moulding  purposes,  for  water-proofing 
cloth,  leather,  and  other  articles  and  fabrics,  and  for 
coating  ships'  bottoms,  lining  tanks  and  cisterns,  <fcc, 
I  mix  with  gutta-percha  which  has  been  first  boiled 
in  a  bath  of  muriate  of  lime,  and  then  masticated 
thoroughly,  and  while  it  is  yet  undergoing  the  pro- 
cess of  mastication,  a  compound  of  shellac  and  borax, 
adding  the  same  little  by  little'  as  the  mastication 
proceeds,  and  using  more  or  less,  according  as  it  is 
s  desired  to  make  the  compound  more  or  less  tenacious. 
The  compound  of  shellac  and  borax  is  prepared  by 
boiling  in  a  steam  kettle  over  a  common  fire,  five 
parts  stick  lac,  or  shell  lac,  or  seed  lac,  with  one  part 
of  borax,  in  so  much  water  as  will  just  cover  these 
materials,  and  evaporating  the  water  according  to 
the  thickness  desired  to  be  given  to  the  compound. 
Any  desired  color  may  be  given  to  this  mixture  of 
gutta-percha,  shellac  and  borax,  by  mixing  the  requi- 
site pigment  or  coloring  matter  with  the  shellac  and 
borax  compounds. 

The  improvements  which  I  claim  in  my  invention 
are  as  follows  : 

First.  I  claim  the  mode  of  making  shoes  and 
galoshoes  of  gutta-percha,  combined  with  other  ma- 


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209 


terials  first  before  described,  in  so  far  as  regards  the 
combination  of  elastic  or  flexible  foundations  with 
g^utta-percha  soles  and  uppers. 

Second.    I    claim    the    employment   of  glass 
moulds  to  give  a  polish  to  the  exterior  or  parts  of  # 
the  exterior  of  shoes  and  galoshoes  made  in  whole 
or  in  part  of  gutta-percha,  as  before  described. 

Third.  I  claim  the  making  of  backs  and  stocks 
for  brushes  in  whole  or  in  part  of  gutta-percha,  in 
order  to  give  springiness  to  the  same. 

Fourth.  I  claim  the  making  of  backs  and  stocks 
for  brushes  in  whole  or  in  part  of  gutta-percha,  as 
before  described  and  exemplified. 

Fifth.  I  claim  the  employment  for  painting,  print- 
ing, or  otherwise  applying  colors  to  articles  and  fab- 
rics made  in  whole  or  in  part  of  gutta-percha,  and 
also  to  other  articles  and  fabrics  of  the  particular 
compound  or  vehicle  herein-before  specified,  but  with- 
out limiting  myself  to  the  exact  proportions  in  which 
each  of  the  materials  has  been  directed  to  be  used 
in  such  compound  or  vehicle,  inasmuch  as  the  said 
proportions  may  be  varied  without  affecting  the  gen- 
eral result. 

Sixth.  I  claim  the  employment,  for  all  manufac- 
turing purposes  to  which  the  same  are  applicable,  of 
the  several  other  improved  preparations  and  com- 
pounds of  gutta-percha  specified  under  the  fourth 
head  of  this  specification,  each  in  the  peculiar  com- 
bination of  materials  of  which  the  same  consists,  and 
the  peculiar  process  or  processes  by  which  it  is  pre- 
pared. 


210 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


JamesJPartley,  of  Harpenden,  Hertford,  manufac- 
turing chemist,  for  improvement  in  the  manufacture 
of  varnishes  from  resinous  substances.  Patent  dated 
January  11,  1849, 

This  invention  consists, 

First.  In  manufacturing  in  maimer  following, 
from  resin  spirit,  and  the  gum  resin  called  gutta- 
percha or  gutta  taban,  a  new  compound  or  varnish 
which  possesses  the  properties  of  being  strongly  ad- 
hesive and  perfectly  water  repellent.  The  patentee 
puts  into  a  pot  three  parts,  by  weight,  of  the  gutta- 
percha or  gutta  taban,  as  imported  or  as  it  may  be 
bought  in  the  home  market,  and  adds  nine  parts  of 
crude  resin  spirit,  (obtained  by  the  destructive  dis- 
tillation of  common  resin)  and  subject  them  to  a 
heat  of  from  120°  to  140Q  Fah.,  stirring  the  mixture 
occasionally.  The  resulting  solution  forms  a  varnish 
which  answers  well  for  the  coating  of  all  coarse 
fabrics,  such  as  tarpaulings,  rick  cloth,  &c.  But  to 
obtain  a  varnish  of  a  purer  and  better  quality,  suit- 
able for  fine  articles,  he  rectified  resin  spirit,  which 
he  obtains  by  passing  a  current  of  steam  through  the 
crude  resin  spirit  until  the  condensed  product  which 
comes  over  exhibits  a  specific  gravity  of  about  0.870, 
at  which  point  the  process  of  distillation  must  be 
stopped,  all  products  of  a  higher  specific  gravity 
being  injurious  to  the  quality  of  the  spirit. 

Claim  1st.  The  manufacture  of  the  new  varnish 
compounded  of  gutta-percha  and  resin  spirit,  (crude, 
rectified,  or  purified,)  as  before  described. 

Second.  The  manufacture  of  the  new  varnishes 
compounded  of  gum  damar  and  resin  spirit,  or  of 


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211 


gum  mastic  and  resin  spirit,  whether  such  spirit  is 
rectified  and  decolorized  or  rectified  only,  as  before 
described. 

William  Henry  Burke,  Tottenham,  manufacturer. 
For  improvements  in  the  manufacture  of  air-proof 
and  water-proof  fabrics,  and  in  the  preparation  «f 
caoutchouc  and  gutta-percha,  either  alone,  or  in  com- 
bination with  other  materials,  the  same  to  be  applica- 
ble to  articles  of  wearing  apparel,  bands,  straps,  and 
other  similar  useful  purposes.  Patent  dated  Apjil 
26,  1849. 

First.  Mr.  Burke  proposes  to  employ  a  compound 
of  antimony  instead  of  sulphur,  for  the  purpose  of 
rendering  caoutchouc,  gutta-percha,  or  their  com- 
pounds permanently  elastic,  and  unaffected  by  changes 
of  temperature.  The#ompound  is  prepared  by  mix- 
ing 1  part  of  crude  antimony  with  25  parts  of  crys- 
tallized carbonate  of  soda,  or  20  parts  of  carbonate  of 
potass,  and  250  or  300  parts  of  water.  The  mixture 
is  boiled  from  half  an  hour  to  three-quarters,  and 
allowed  to  precipitate,  when  the  supernatant  liquid  is 
run  off.  The  precipitate  is  then  dried  and  incorpo- 
rated with  the  caoutchouc  in  a  masticating  machine 
in  the  proportion  of  from  five  to  fifteen  per  cent. 
When  bands  or  other  articles  are  to  be  cut  from 
blocks  of  caoutchouc,  it  is  taken,  while  warm,  from 
the  masticating  machine,  and  subjected  to  pressure 
for  one  or  two  days. 

Second.  It  is  also  proposed  to  manufacture  driv- 
ing bands,  by  spreading  the  material  dissolved  in  a 
suitable  menstrum,  with  calender  rollers,  upon  pieces 


212 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


of  calico  or  other  fabric,  powdered  with  French  chalk, 
to  allow  of  the  easy  separation  of  the  two,  and  to 
increase  the  rigidity  and  durability^  gutta-percha 
driving  bands,  stripes  of  some  fabric  are  to  be  affixed 
to  the  wearing  parts,  and  both  surfaces  coated  with 
the  antimonized  caoutchouc. 

{Third.  To  remove  the  shiny  appearance  of  single 
texture  garments,  &c,  Mr.  Burke  coats  them  with 
the  antimonized  caoutchouc,  dissolved  in  some  suita- 
ble menstrum,  and  mixed  with  ground  silk  or  cotton, 
which  is  stated  to  have  the  effect  of  giving  the  article 
the  appearance  of  cloth. 

Fourth.  Gutta  percha  soles  and  heels  are  pro- 
posed to  be  defended  at  the  edges,  where  they  are 
exposed  to  great  wear  and  tear,  with  metal  tips, 
shields,  and  guards. 

CLAIMS. 

First.  The  treating  caoutchouc,  gutta-percha,  or 
their  compounds,  with  the  antimony  compound. 

Second.  The  mode  of  manufacturing  ariving- 
bands. 

Third.  Coating  water  proof  articles  with  antimo- 
nized caoutchouc,  mixed  with  ground  silk,  cotton,  or 
wool. 

Fourth.  The  manufacture  of  gutta-percha  soles 
and  heels  with  metal  tips,  shields,  and  guards. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  HANCOCK   AND    CO.'S    PATENT  GUTTA-PERCHA 
HEEL  TIPS. 

From  the  London  Mechanics'  Magazine,  Vol.  LI. 

Sir  : — We  are  reminded  weekly  by  the  advertise- 
ment in  your  Number,  that  gutta-percha  "  must  be 


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213 


regarded  as  one  of  the  blessings  of  a  gracious  Provi- 
dence." Doubtless  this,  as  well  as  every  other  natu- 
ral production,  should  be  so  regarded,  although  in 
the  state  in  which  it  is  left  by  Providence  it  would  be 
of  little  use  were  it  ngt  for  the  additional  blessings  of 
ingenious-minded  men,  (as  the  Hancocks  and  others) 
by  whose  skill  the  crude  gifts  of  Providence  are  man- 
ipulated and  presented  to  our  acceptance  in  a  thou- 
sand beautiful  and  highly  useful  forms. 

As  weather-proof,  and  consequently  health-preserv- 
ing' soles  for  boots  and  shoes,  gutta-percha  most 
assuredly  stands  unrivalled.  The  application  of  this 
material  to  heels  has  not  hitherto  been  equally  suc- 
cessful, from  its  being  unequal  to  withstand  the  vast 
amount  of  wear  and  tear,  to  which  this  part  of  our 
understanding  is  subjected,  one  consequence  of  which 
is  liability  to  spread,  and  become  worn  and  ragged  on 
its  edges.  For  this  defect,  however,  an  efficient  rem- 
edy has  been  provided  in  the  compound  heel  tips, 
invented  by  Mr.  B.  Tyler,  of  Sheffield,  and  manufac- . 
tnred  under  Messrs.  Hancock  &  Co.'s  patent.  The 
frame  or  border  of  this  improved  steel  tip  consists  of 
a  rim  of  cast  iron  or  steel,  furnished  with  tangs  or 
projections.  This  frame  is  filled  up  with  a  tough 
compound  of  gutta-percha  and  cork,  which  encloses 
the  tangs.  The  heel  thus  formed,  requires  no  nail- 
ing to  affix  it  to  the  boot  or  shoe,  a  coating  of  solu- 
tion being  sufficient  for  that  purpose.  Thus  arrang- 
ed, the  metal  and  gutta-percha  mutually  aid  and 
support  each  other  ;  no  spreading  can  take  place,  nor 
can  the  edges  become  worn  or  ragged.  These  tips 
never  become  loose,  neither  are  they  liable  to  become 


214 


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slippery.    Having  worn  them  for  more  than  two 
years,  I  can  with  confidence  assert  them  to  be  the 
best  contrivance  extant  for  the  purpose.     *    *  * 
I  am,  Sir,  yours  &c. 

William  Baddeley, 

29  Alfred  Street,  Islington. 

Edward  John  Paine,  Chancery  Lane,  London. 
For  improvements  in  marine  vessels,  in  apparatus  for 
the  preservation  of  human  life,  and  moulding,  joining 
and  finishing  hollow  and  solid  figures,  composed 
wholly  or  in  part  of  a  certain  gum,  or  a  combination 
of  a  certain  gum  ;  also  for  improvements  in  dissolving 
the  aforesaid  gums,  and  in  apparatus  or  machinery 
to  be  used  for  the  purposes  above  mentioned.  Patent 
dated  June  7,  1849. 

A  Water  Proof  Yarnish. — Mix  together  1  lb. 
gutta-percha,  3  oz.  gum  opal,  J  lb.  linseed  oil,  8  oz. 
sugar  of  lead,  2  lbs.  spirits  of  turpentine.  Place  the 
mixture  in  a  tincture  press,  the  cylinder  of  which  is 
heated  by  a  sand  bath,  and  the  produce  is  the  varnish 
required. 

A  varnish  with  which  colors  may  be  mixed,  and 

VERY  SUITABLE  FOR  COATING  ARTICLES  IN  GUTTA-PER- 
CHA.— Take  100  lbs.  gutta-percha,  18  lbs.  12  oz.  gum 
opal,  50  lbs.  linseed  oil,  200  lbs.  spirits  of  turpentine, 
and  mix  the  whole  together. 

A    VARNISH    FOR    UNPAINTED    ARTICLES    IN  ROUGH 

wood. — Take  50  lbs.  India-rubber,  100  lbs.  gutta- 
percha, 30  lbs.  gum  opal,  70  lbs.  gum  damar,  150  lbs. 
linseed  oil,  75  lbs.  sugar  of  lead,  500  lbs.  spirits  of 
turpentine. 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


215 


A  VARNISH    FOR   ARTICLES   OP   METAL.  —  Take  100 

lbs.  gutta-percha,  20  lbs.  gum  opal,  75  lbs.  linseed 
oil,  25  lbs.  sugar  of  lead,  200  lbs.  spirits  of  turpen- 
tine. 

W.  Johnson.  Improvements  in  the  treatment, 
preparation,  or  manufacture  of  sheet  caoutchouc, 
and  in  the  combination  thereof  with  cloth  and  other 
fabrics.  (A  communication.)  Dated  October  3, 
1856. 

This  relates  to  a  mode  of  preparing  sheets  of  caout- 
chouc, and  combining  them  firmly  with  cloth  and 
other  fabrics,  to  produce  goods  for  the  manufacture 
of  articles  of  various  degrees  of  elasticity,  and  consists 
in  preparing  sheets  of  vulcanized  caoutchouc,  by  de- 
sulphurizing their  surfaces  by  first  boiling  the  sheets 
in  caustic  alkali,  and  afterwards  in  salt  pickle,  to 
neutralize  the  alkali  remaining  on  the  sheet,  and 
then  washing  the  same.  These  sheets  are  then 
roughed  on  their  surfaces,  and  the  fabric  to  which 
they  are  to  be  applied  is  prepared  by  coating  the  sur- 
faces thinly  with  a  solution  of  caoutchouc  dissolved 
in  some  solvent,  and  then  thoroughly  evaporating  the 
solvent. 

F.  C.  Jeune.  An  improved  manufacture  of  floor 
cloth.    Dated  May  26,  1856. 

The  patentee  mixes  in  a  masticating  machine, 
India-rubber,  (partly  the  waste  of  vulcanized  rub- 
ber) and  gutta  percha,  to  produce  a  binding  sub- 
stance, and  throws  in  ground  cedar  wood,  or  other 
vegetable  dust,  for  increasing  the  bulk,  and  reducing 


216 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


the  cost.  When  the  mixing  is  effected,  he  adds 
fibrous  substances  in  length,  to  impart  toughness, 
and  rolls  the  compound  between  rollers  into  sheets, 
which  he  submits  to"  steam  or  hot  air,  to  complete  the 
adhesion  of  the  particles. 

C.  Goodyear.  An  improvement  in  combining  gut- 
ta-percha and  asphalt  or  pitch.  Dated  August  80, 
1856. 

This  consists  in  combining  gutta-percha  with  as- 
phalt or  pitch,  by  the  aid  of  hot  water.  They  are, 
when  desired,  further  combined  with  sulphur,  with 
India-rubber,  or  other  matters  ;  and'  compounds  are, 
when  required,  subjected  to  high  temperature. 

A.  Lorimier.  An  improvement  in  re-working  vul- 
canized India-rubber.    Dated  October  20,  1856. 

This  consists  in  preparing  the  waste  of  vulcanized 
India-rubber  by  crushing  the  same  between  pressing 
rollers,  then  subjecting  it  to  a  considerable  degree  of 
heat,  and  whilst  so  heated  causing  it  to  be  stirred,  by 
which  means  the  mass  is  progressively  brought  into  a 
fluid  state.  It  is  then  allowed  to  cool,  but  before 
becoming  cold,  a  solvent  of  India-rubber  is  added,  by 
which  an  India-rubber  cement  is  produced. 

George  Simpson,  Newington,  Butts,  chemist,  and 
Thomas  Foster,  Stratham,  manufacturer.  For  im- 
provement in  manufacturing,  or  treating  solvents  of 
India-rubber,  and  of  other  gums  or  substances.  Pa- 
tent dated  April  26,  1849. 

First.  Bisulphuret  of  carbon  is  placed  in  an  iron 
still,  the  top  of  which  opens  into  an  earthen  ware 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


217 


vessel  containing  pentuchloride  of  antimony,  and  a 
pipe  leads  from  the  top  of  this  vessel,  to  the  worm  of 
an  earthen-ware  condensor.  The  still  and  first  vessel 
are  heated  by  steam  jackets.  The  resulting  product 
flows  from  the  condensor  to  a  reservoir,  after  which, 
it  is  rectified  by  lime  and  is  then  ready  for  use 
as  a  solvent.  Before  rectification,  the  India-rubber, 
gutta-percha,  or  other  gum  may  be  immersed  in  it, 
or  exposed  to  its  fumes  and  thereby  rendered  less 
liable  to  injury  from  the  effects  of  cold  or  heat. 

Second.  Coal  is  purified  and  rendered  applicable 
as  a  solvent  of  these  gums  by  being  subjected  to  a 
similar  process,  chloride  of  lime  in  solution  being 
substituted  for  the  pentuchloride  of  antimony. 

Claims.  1st,  The  manufacture  of  chloride  and 
bichloride  of  carbon,  and  its  application  as  a  solvent 
of  India-rubber,  gutta-percha,  and  other  gums  not 
soluble  in  water,  and  the  mode  of  treating  rubber,  as 
described. 

Second.  The  mode  of  treating  coal  oil  with  chlo- 
ride of  lime,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  a  solvent  of 
the  before  mentioned  gums. 

To  Gust ave  Eugene  Michel  Gerard,  of  Paris,  in 
the  Republic  of  France.  For  improvements  in  dis- 
solving caoutchouc  (India-rubber),  and  gutta-percha. 
[Sealed  May  7,  1850.] 

This  invention  consists  in  certain  improved  means 
of  dissolving  India-rubber  and  gutta-percha. 

The  patentee  commences  his  specification  by  re- 
marking that  heretofore  all  solutions  of  India-rubber, 
whether  clear  or  thick,  have  possessed  great  cohe- 
10 


218 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


rence  and  elasticity ;  the  solvent,  whatever  it  may- 
have  been,  has  always  expanded  the  gum  to  a  great 
extent ;  and  as  it  is  not  until  after  this  has  taken 
place  that  the  real  act  of  dissolving  the  gum  com- 
mences, a  large  quantity  of  the  solvent  is  conse- 
quently required.  *  *  * 

The  new  process  consists  in  mixing  with  the  sol- 
vent (of  whatever  nature  it  may  be)  a  certain  quan- 
tity of  alcohol,  and  macerating  therein  the  India-rub- 
ber or  gutta-percha,  which  will  expand  very  little, 
and  at  the  end  of  twenty-four  hours,  it  will  be  in  the 
state  of  paste,  suitable  for  being  moulded  into  any 
desired  form.  The  patentee  prefers  to  employ  as  a 
solvent,  sulphuret  of  carbon,  chloroform,  sulphuric 
ether,  naptha,  essential  oils  of  coal,  or  turpentine, 
and  to  add  thereto  from  five  to  fifty  per  cent,  of  alco- 
hol. The  caoutchouc  is  mixed  with  the  alcoholized 
solvents  in  all  proportions,  varying  from  equal  parts 
to  thirty  parts  of  the  latter,  to  one  of  the  former, 
according  to  the  thickness  of  the  solution  required, 
and  after  one  or  two  days,  the  paste  is  submitted  to 
the  ordinary  process  of  masticating,  if  the  solution  is 
madejof  equal  parts,  or  when  it  is  made  of  small 
quantities  of  the  solvent ;  in  other  cases  it  is  not  nec- 
essary. The  patentee  adopts  the  same  system  when 
treating  gutta-percha.  He  dissolves  it  in  the  alcohol- 
ized sulphuret  of  carbon,  and  dilutes  it  until  it  arrives 
at  the  consistence  of  thick  syrup  of  sugar.  In  this 
state  he  permits  it  to  remain  three  or  four  days,  dur- 
ing which  time,  the  impurities  will  be  precipitated  or 
rise*  to  the  surface  ;  and  then  he  draws  off  the  gutta- 
percha in  a  state  of  complete  purity. 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


219 


It  will  be  seen  that  the  character  of  the  invention 
is  the  mixture  of  alcohol  with  the  solvent  used  for 
dissolving  caoutchouc,  and  gutta-percha.  As  alco- 
hol is  the  liquid  which  most  quickly  precipitates 
India-rubber  from  its  solutions,  the  patentee  avails 
himself  of  this  property,  by  causing  the  alcohol,  by 
means  of  a  solvent,  to  enter  into  the  interior  parts  of 
the  India-rubber,  or  to  detach  all  the  adherent  atoms 
which  form  the  mass  of  the  caoutchouc.  By  the 
addition  of  the  alcohol,  the  particles  are  rendered 
less  adherent  among  themselves,  ana  are  easily  sepa- 
rated by  pressure,  retaining  the  form  resulting  from 
this  pressure,  and  not  returning  to  their  ordinary 
form.  On  the  solvent  and  the  alcohol  being  evapo- 
rated, the  caoutchouc  will  return  to  its  original  state. 
All  liquids  which  possess  the  properties  of  alcohol 
may  be  mixed  with  the  solvents.  The  principle  of 
this  invention  is  the  causing  matters  which  are  not  of 
a  solvent  nature,  to  be  introduced  into  the  body  of 
the  India-rubber  by  means  of  a  solvent,  such  matters 
having  the  property  to  disunite  the  parts  constituting 
the  mass  of  India-rubber,  and  destroy  the  adherence 
of  the  particles,  whether  these  matters  are  combined 
with  the  solvents,  or  introduced  by  themselves. 

To  William  Edward  Newton,  of  the  Office*  of  Pa- 
tents, 66  Chancery  Lane,  London,  England.  For  im- 
provements applicable^)  Boots,  Shoes  and  other  cov- 
erings for,  or  appliances  to  the  feet.  [Sealed  6th  of 
June,  1850.] 

The  first  part  of  this  invention  consists  in  providing 
the  under  surface  of  India-rubber  shoes,  buskins, 


220 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


gaiters,  boots,  and  overshoes,  with  projecting  metallic 
points,  permanently  secured  in  or  to  the  soles,  so  as  to 
render  the  same  less  liable  to  slip  or  slide,  when  used 
in  walking  over  snow,  ice,  or  other  smooth  or  slippery 
surfaces. 

In  carrying  out  this  improvemnet,  the  inventor 
procures  short  metallic  points,  in  the  form  of  headed 
rivets,  in  length  very  slightly  exceeding  the  thickness 
of  the  sole,  having  .a  head  of  any  convenient  size. 
The  diameter  of  the  head  is  not  material,  but  it  should 
not  be  less  than  an  ordinary  rivet-head  ;  and  the  size 
of  the  projecting  portion  should  be,  for  light  shoes, 
about  -^o  °f an  lncn  m  diameter,  which  may  be  in- 
creased according  to  the  size  of  the  shoe, — care  being 
taken  not  to  render  the  shoe  burdensome.  Before 
the  sole  is  applied  to  the  shoe,  these  rivets  or  points 
are  inserted  through  perforations  in  the  sole,  so  that 
the  heads  shall  rest  upon  the  inner  surface,  and  the 
points  project  through  and  beyond  the  outer  surface, 
but  so  slightly  that  they  can  scarcely  be  felt  in  passing 
the  hand  over  the  surface.  The  sole  thus  prepared,  is 
then  applied  in  the  usual  manner,  to  the  shoe.  An- 
other mode  of  providing  the  sole  with  such  points, 
differs  from  the  foregoing,  in  this  respect  only  ;  —  in- 
stead of  using  a  number  of  headed  rivets,  the  patentee 
takes  a  metallic  plate,  with  projecting  points,  which 
may  be  cast  for  the  purpose,  so  that  when  the  points 
are  inserted  in  the  sole,  the  projecting  points  on  the 
outer  surface  will  be  similar  to  those  prepared  with 
rivets  as  above  described ;  while,  on  the  inner  sur- 
face, instead  of  presenting  several  heads,  there  will  be 
one  plate,  which  may  be  treated  as  one  connecting 
head  for  all  the  rivets. 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


221 


The  third  part  of  the  invention  relates  to  a  method 
of  making  that  kind  of  shoes  known  as  clogs,  and  con- 
sists in  making  them  of  India-rubber,  or  the  com- 
pounds thereof,  and  of  what  the  inventor  denominates 
India-rubber  sponge,  moulded  of  the  desired  form, 
with  the  upper  part  of  the  sole,  which  comes  in  con- 
tact with  the  sole  of  the  shoe  or  boot,  formed  with  a 
ring  all  around,  and  protuberances,  so  as  to  give  the 
desired  elevation  with  little  weight. 

The  operator  mixes  sugar  or  resin  with  the  India- 
rubber,  prepared  in  the  usual  manner  for  vulcanizing, 
in  the  proportion  of  one-quarter  of  a  pound  of  sugar 
omresin  to  each  pound  of  India-rubber  ;  and  after  the 
compound  has  been  worked  and  treated  in  the  usual 
manner,  he  forms  the  clog  thereof,  in  a  mould,  and 
subjects  it  to  the  curing  or  vulcanizing  process,  by 
which  it  is  rendered  spongy  and  light.  The  mould  is 
so  formed  as  to  make  the  sole  thin,  with  a  rim  all 
round  and  protuberances  within,  for  the  boot  or  shoe 
to  rest  on,  to  give  the  foot  the  required  elevation  from 
the  ground.  The  sole  thus  prepared,  can  be  provid- 
ed with  a  toe-piece  and  heel-strap,  as  described  under 
the  second  part  of  the  invention,  or  it  may  be  provid- 
ed with  any  other  means  of  securing  it  to  the  foot. 

The  last  part  of  the  invention  relates  to  a  mode  or 
modes  of  making  India-rubber  shoes  or  coverings  for 
the  feet  pervious  to  perspiration,  and  yet  impervious, 
under  ordinary  circumstances,  to  water  or  damp. 
This  object  may  be  effected  by  taking  a  quantity  of 
India-rubber  sponge  and  rolling  it  into  thin  sheets, 
which  sheets  may  be  made  into  boots,  shoes,  or  cover- 
ings for  the  feet,  and  as  they  will  be  found  to  be  cov- 


222 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


ered  with  a  great  number  of  very  fine  holes,  they  will 
allow  the  perspiration  to  pass  through,  but  will  effec- 
tually keep  out  the  wet. 

It  is  preferred,  however,  to  perforate  the  India-rub- 
ber by  mechanical  means,  as  a  greater  amount  of  reg- 
ularity may  be  thereby  attained,  and  the  perforating 
process  will  be  more  under  command.  When  the 
sheet  rubber  is  made  up  into  boots  or  coverings  for 
the  feet,  it  will  be  necessary  either  to  leave  those  parts 
of  the  boot  nearest  to  the  sole,  and  most  exposed  to 
the  wet,  unperforated  and  impervious,  or  to  cover 
those  parts  with  an  impervious  material,  leaving  only 
the  upper  part  pervious  to  perspiration.  Under  tms 
head  of  the  invention  the  claim  is  for  making  boots, 
shoes,  and  other  coverings  for  the  feet,  pervious  to  the 
perspiration  of  the  wearer,  by  making  such  articles  of 
sheet  rubber,  previously  perforated  with  minute 
holes. 

To  Alfred  Vincent  Newton,  of  the  Office  of  Pa- 
tents, in  Chancery  Lane,  London,  England.  For  im- 
provements in  the  preparation  of  materials  for  the 
production  of  a  composition  or  compositions  applica- 
ble to  the  manufacture  of  buttons,  knife  and  razor 
handles,  inkstands,  door-knobs,  and  other  articles, 
where  hardness,  strength  and  durability  are  required. 
(Sealed  4th  of  March,  1851.)* 

This  invention  relates  to  the  preparation  and  treat- 
ment of  caoutchouc  and  gutta-percha,  either  alone  or 
in  combination,  for  the  purpose  of  producing  a  new 

*  This  is  one  of  the  most  important  patents  ever  taken  out  ,  being  of 
great  practical  utility. 


ENGLISH  PATENTS.  223 

manufacture  or  composition,  applicable  to  various 
uses  where  hardness,  strength  and  durability  are  re- 
quired. The  composition  designed  to  be  produced, 
will  possess  some  of  the  characteristics  of  horn,  ivory, 
jet,  and  may,  according  to  the  color  imparted  to  it, 
be  employed  in  place  thereof ;  or  it  may  be  used  as  a 
substitute  for  costly  woods,  and  be  applied  to  furni- 
ture in  the  form  of  veneer. 

In  treating  caoutchouc  (India-rubber)  for  this  pur- 
pose, it  is  combined  with  sulphur,  —  the  best  propor- 
tion being  about  equal  parts,  by  weight,  of  each  in- 
gredient. By  combining  sulphur  in  this  propor- 
tion, with  the  caoutchouc,  and  subjecting  the  com- 
pound to  the  curing  operation,  (hereafter  to  be  de- 
scribed) a  hard  substance  will  be  produced,  but  a 
still  better  result  will  be  obtained  by  the  introduction 
of  magnesia  or  lime,  or  of  carbonate,  or  sulphate  of 
magnesia,  or  carbonate  or  sulphate  of  lime,  or  calcin- 
ed French  chalk,  or  other  magnesian  earth,  into  the 
composition,  in  which  case,  the  following  proportions 
will  be  found  highly  advantageous,  viz.;  one  pound  of 
caoutchouc,  half  a  pound  of  sulphur,  and  half  a  pound 
of  magnesia,  or  lime,  or  carbonate  or  sulphate  of  mag- 
nesia, or  carbonate  or  sulphate  of  lime.,  or  calcined 
French  chalk,  or  other  magnesian  earth.  The  pro- 
portions specified  in  both  of  these  compounds,  may  be 
considerably  varied  without  materially  changing  the 
result ;  but  in  no  case  is  it  desirable  to  use  a  much 
less  quantity  of  sulphur  than  four  ounces  to  every 
pound  of  caoutchouc.  With  either  of  these  com- 
pounds just  described,  gum  lac,  or  gum  shellac,  may 
be  combined  to  great  advantage,  —  say,  in  the  propor- 


224 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


tion  of  from  four  to  eight  ounces  of  gum  lac  to  every 
pound  of  caoutchouc.  Rosin,  oxides  or  salts  of  lead 
or  zinc,  of  all  colors,  and  other  similar  substances, 
both  mineral  and  vegetable,  may  be  added  in  small 
quantities,  to  either  of  the  compounds,  for  the  purpose 
of  imparting  a  polish,  or  a  color  thereto,  and  for  mak- 
ing the  mixture  work  more  easily ;  but  no  precise 
rule  for  these  additions  can  be  given  ;  nor,  indeed,  is 
it  necessary,  as  the  taste  and  judgment  of  the  opera- 
tor will  be  his  guide  in  this  particular. 

The  compounds  produced  according  to  the  above 
plans,  are  next  treated  in  the  manner  to  be  presently  * 
described  ;  but,  as  this  process  is  equally  applicable  to 
the  treatment  of  other  compositions  included  in  this 
invention,  the  patentee  first  explains  of  what  these 
compositions  consist.  When  using  gutta-percha  in 
lieu  of  India-rubber,  the  inventor  takes  certain  pro- 
portions of  gutta-percha,  sulphur  and  magnesia,  or 
lime,  or  a  carbonate,  or  a  sulphate  of  magnesia  or 
lime,  or  calcined  French  chalk,  or  other  magnesian 
earth,  and  mixes  them  in  a  convenient  manner. 

The  portions  preferred  are  the  following,  viz.  —  one 
pound  of-  gutta-percha,  six  ounces  of  sulphur,  and 
from  six  to  eight  ounces  of  either  magnesia  or  lime, 
or  a  carbonate,  or  a  sulphate  of  magnesia  or  of  lime, 
or  calcined  French  chalk,  or  other  magnesian  earth. 
Instead  of  using  the  specified  proportion  of  the  mag- 
nesia or  lime,  or  of  the  carbonate  or  sulphate  of  mag- 
nesia or  lime,  or  of  calcine^  French  chalk  or  other 
magnesian  earth,  the  same  proportion  of  any  two  or 
more  of  these  substances  combined,  may  be  employed, 
care  being  taken  that  the  quantity  of  this  third  ingre- 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


225 


client  in  the  composition  does  not  vary  from  the  pro- 
portion of  six  or  eight  ounces.  These  proportions 
may,  however,  be  slightly*varied,  without  materially 
changing  the  result. 

To  the  composition  above  specified,  a  fourth  ingre- 
dient may  be  added,  viz.,  gum  shellac,  by  which  a 
still  better  article  will  be  produced  —  the  body  thus 
obtained  being  stronger  and  more  easily  worked.  The 
quantity  of  shellac,  in  such  case,  should  be  about  four 
ounces  to  every  pound  of  gutta-percha. 

Resin,  oxide  or  salts  of  lead  or  zinc,  of  all  colors, 
and  other  like  substances,  both  mineral  and  vegeta- 
ble may  be  added,  in  small  quantities,  to  either  of  the 
above  compositions,  for  the  purposes  before  stated 
with  respect  to  the  India-rubber  composition. 

The  compounds  described  may  be  mixed  by  a  mas- 
ticating machine  or  other  means,  until  the  several  in- 
gredients are  thoroughly  incorporated.  The  mineral 
ingredients  should  be  finely  divided,  and  good  results 
are  obtained  by  reducing  them  before  mixture,  to  an 
impalpable  powder. 

When  rolled  or  moulded,  the  compounds  are  then 
to  be  "cured."  This  is  effected  by  exposing  the  com- 
pound to  a  high  degree  of  artificial  heat,  using  for 
this  purpose  either  steam,  hot  water,  or  hot  air.  The 
degree  of  heat  to  which  this  compound  is  to  be  ex- 
posed, and  the  duration  of  its  exposure,  will  depend 
somewhat  upon  the  size  and  thickness  of  the  article  ; 
but  in  ordinary  cases  the  heat  should  be  raised  to 
about  260°  or  270Q,  Fah.,  and  the  compound  exposed 
to  such  heat  for  about  four  hours  ;  as  a  general  rule, 
however,  it  may  be  stated  that  the  heat  should  range 
10* 


226 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


from  250°  to  300°,  Fah.,  and  the  time  of  exposure 
from  two  to  six  hours.  The  compounds  or  composi- 
tions by  undergoing  this  heating  or  curing  operation, 
will  become  of  a  hard,  stiff  character,  in  many  re- 
spects resembling  tortoise-shell,  horn,  bone,  ivory, 
and  jet.  In  the  compounds  described  as  compositions 
of  caoutchouc,  considerable  proportions  of  gutta- 
percha may  be  substituted  for  caoutchouc  (rubber) 
without  injury;  and,  *in  the  compounds  described  as 
compositions  of  gutta-percha,  considerable  propor- 
tions of  caoutchouc  may  also  be  substituted  for 
gutta-percha  without  injury.  *       *  * 

The  compositions,  when  hardened,  may  be  worked 
like  wood  or  bone  ;  but,  in  some  instances,  it  is  pro- 
posed to  mould,  shape,  or  otherwise  treat  the  compo- 
sitions so  as  to  render  them  better  suited  to  the  pur- 
pose for  which  they  are  intended,  prior  to  submitting 
them  to  the  hardening  process.  Thus  when  it  is 
desired  to  use  these  new  compositions  in  combination 
with  common  flexible  vulcanized  caoutchouc,  the 
parts  intended  to  be  hardened  may  be  united  to  a 
connecting  band,  or  connecting  pieces  of  flexible 
vulcanized  caoutchouc,  by  cementing  or  pressing  to- 
gether the  surfaces  required  to  be  joined,  before  the 
heating  or  curing  process  has  been  effected  ;  by  which 
means,  during  the  process  of  curing,  the  abutting 
elastic  and  non-elastic  surfaces  will  become  firmly 
united  together. 

******** 

Another  mode  of  applying  the  composition  consists 
in  uniting  them  in  their  plastic  or  green  state  with 
iron,  or  other  metals  or  rigid  substances,  which  will 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


227 


bear  a  high  degree  of  artificial  heat  without  altera- 
tion or  damage,  roughened  in  such  portions  of  its 
surface  as  are  intended  to  be  brought  into  contact 
with  the  compound  of  caoutchouc  or  gutta-percha, 
and  the  compound  is  then  applied  to  the  roughened 
surface  of  the  article.  When  it  is  desired  that  the 
compound  of  caoutchouc  or  gutta-percha  shall  serve 
as  a  covering  to  the  iron  or  other  substance,  a  thin 
sheet  of  the  compound*  (sometimes  one  thirty-second 
part  of  an  inch  in  thickness  or  less)  is  pressed  with 
great  care,  upon  the  iron  or  other  substance,  so  as 
to  expel  all  air  from  between  the  adjoining  surfaces, 
and  to  cause  the  most  perfect  union  and  adhesion,  as 
the  coated  article  is  bound  with  strips  or  ribbons  of 
cloth,  or  other  suitable  material,  whereby  the  com- 
pound is  kept  in  close  contact  with  the  article  during 
the  process  of  hardening.  The  combined  materials 
thus  treated,  will  be  found  to  possess  the  qualities 
desired  —  the  iron  or  other  substance  giving  strength 
and  the  compound  giving  a  hard  and  durable  surface. 
In  this  way  may  be  produced  many  articles  used  in 
and  about  harnesses  or  carriages,  such  as  saddle  trees, 
buckles,  terrels,  bits,  stirrups,  martingale  rings,  dash- 
er-irons, and  articles  intended  to  be  used  as  furniture, 
either  in  whole  or  in  part,  and  a  great  variety  of 
other  useful  objects. 

A.  Ford.  Preparing-  and  dissolving  in  naptha  or 
oil  of  turpentine,  vulcanized  India-rubber  for  the  pur- 
pose  of  water-proofing,  and  for  all  or  any  of  the  other 
purposes  for  which  the  same  not  so  prepared  and  dis- 
solved is  now  applicable,  and  expressly  for  the  coating1 
of  iron  ships'  bottoms.    Dated  June  27th,  1856. 


228 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


The  inventor  first  cuts  the  vulcanized  India-rubber 
into  small  pieces,  and  places  it  in  a  boiler,  having 
within  it  an  agitator  or  stirrer,  kept  in  constant 
motion  during  the  process.  The  only  openings  into 
this  boiler  are  a  main  hole  with  a  screw  top  ;  a 
safety-valve  which  comes  into  action  only  when  the 
pressure  on  the  inner  surface  of  the  boiler  exceeds 
25  lbs.  to  the  square  inch,  and  the  opening  occasioned 
by  the  passage  of  the  stem  of  the  agitator,  which 
passes  in  at  the  summit.  He  then  applies  heat  in 
such  a  manner  as  that  three-fourths  of  the  outer 
surface  of  the  boiler  shall  be  at  once  exposed  to  its 
influence,  and  at  a  temperature  of  never  more  than 
300°  Fah. ;  and  he  continues  the  same  until  the 
India-rubber  shall  be  reduced  to  the  consistence  of 
dough,  when  he  takes  it  out,  and  having  mixed  with 
it  a  sufficient  portion  of  French  chalk  in  powder  to 
remove  its  adhesiveness,  passes  it  a  few  times  through 
metal  rollers,  after  which  it  is  capable  of  being  dis- 
solved in  naptha  or  oil  of  turpentine  in  the  manner 
of  ordinary  India-rubber.  The  rationale  of  the 
process  is,  that  by  means  of  the  heat  applied  to  the 
boiler,  he  decomposes  a  small  portion  of  the  vulcan- 
ized India-rubber,  whereby  a  gas  is  generated  which, 
filling  the  interior  of  the  boiler,  acts  upon  the  re- 
maining portion,  and  softens  it.  The  not  allowing 
the  gas  to  escape  is,  therefore,  a  very  important 
feature. 

N.  S.  Dodge.  Improvements  in  treating1  vulcan- 
ized India-rubber  or  gutta-percha.  Dated  January 
18th,  1856. 

This  invention  relates  to  a  mode  of  treating  vul- 


ENGLISH  PATENTS. 


229 


canized  India-rubber,  for  rendering  scraps  or  waste 
pieces,  such  as  old  shoes,  &c,  fit  to  be  re-used  with- 
out requiring  to  be  vulcanized.  The  material  is 
reduced  into  small-  pieces,  and  placed  in  a  vessel 
hermetically  closed,  and  to  it  is  added  pure  alcohol 
and  bisulphate  of  carbon  (Jib.  of  the  former,  and  10 
lbs.  of  the  latter,  to  100  lbs.  of  the  material,)  the 
alcohol  and  the  bisulphate  being  previously  mixed 
together,  and  then  poured  over  the  material  to  be 
treated.  The  vessel  is  then  closed  air-tight  for  two 
hours,  at  the  end  of  which  the  process  is  complete. 

W.  A.  Turner.  Improvements  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  elastic  tubing.    Dated  February  29th,  1856. 

The  invention  relates  to  tubing  made  of  India- 
rubber  and  gutta-percha,  either  separately  or  in  com- 
bination, and  is  designed  for  rendering  such  tubing 
capable  of  withstanding  a  pressure  of  from  50  to  100 
lbs.  on  every  square  inch  of  surface.  The  novelty 
consists  in  combining  with  the  aforesaid  material  a 
rigid  substance,  such  as  a  helix  or  a  series  of  rings 
of  metal  or  other  material. 


CHAPTER  II. 


AMERICAN  PATENTS  AND  CLAIMS. 

'.•V-  ft': 

INTRODUCTORY. 

No  sooner  had  the  nature  of  India-rubber  began  to 
be  developed,  than  the  spirit  of  American  enterprize 
commenced  to  work,  in  experimenting  upon  the  vari- 
ous uses  to  which  it  is  susceptible.  Of  course,  the 
progress  was  at  first  slow  and  tedious.  Charles  Mack- 
intosh, of  England,  seems  to  be  the  first  individual 
who  discovered  the  process  of  dissolving  the  gum  in 
spirits  of  turpentine,  and  to  introduce  the  manufac- 
ture of  those  goods  which  now  bear  his  name.  But  it 
seems  that  as  early  as  1813,  eight  years  prior  to  Mack- 
intosh's discovery,  Jacob  H.  Hummel,  of  Philadel- 
phia, had  secured  a  patent  for  "  India-rubber  var- 
nish." What  the  method  of  preparation  was,  the 
"  report "  does  not  state.  From  that  date  to  1831, 
the  spirifrof  investigation  and  experiment  in  this  di- 
rection, lay  dormant. 

The  next  step  in  this  country,  (in  1831,)  was  a  pa- 
tent secured  for  "  India-rubber  Fluid,"  to  render  ar- 
ticles water-proof.  In  about  one  year  from  the  issu- 
ing of  this  patent,  Wait  Webster,  of  New  York,  secur- 

230 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


231 


ed  a  patent  for  attaching  India-rubber  soles  to  boots 
and  shoes.  With  the  introduction  of  Chaffee's  patent 
for  India-rubber  shoes,  in  1832,  the  spirit  of  invention, 
experiment  and  competition  commenced,  and  has  con- 
tinued until  the  present  time.  The  new,  curious,  and 
almost  universal  application  of  India-rubber  and  gut- 
ta-percha, in  the  industrial  arts,  has  wrought  a  won- 
derful change,  and  has  given  an  added  stimulus  to 
our  manufacturing  and  commercial  interests.  The 
importance  of  these  gums  can  hardly  be  over-estimat- 
ed, and,  it  is  hardly  too  much  to  predict  that  discov- 
eries in  the  combination  of  gutta-percha  and  Ind|ji- 
rubber  with  other  substances,  will  yet  be  made4 which 
will  almost  or  wholly  supersede  the  common  sole- 
leather,  now  so  extensively  used.  Already  have  pa- 
tents been  secured  for  artificial  leather,  that  in  ap- 
pearance is  hardly  distinguishable  from  the  best  sole- 
leather.  Its  durability,  it  is  contested,  together  with 
its  cheapness,  will,  when  the  processes  of  its  manu- 
facture are  perfected,  give  it  a  decided  superiority 
over  all  other  leather. 

In  preparing  and  arranging  the  following  list  of 
"  American  Patents  and  Claims ,"  we  have  given  all 
the  really  important  ones  ever  issued.  Some  of  the 
descriptions  are  very  brief,  and  necessarily  so,  from 
the  fact  that  the  Patent  Office  Reports  have  given  but 
little  more  than  the  title,  or  "  text "  of  the  patent  is- 
sued. It  is  a  very  singular,  and  somewhat  remarka- 
ble fact,  that  our  Patent  Office  Reports  are  exceeding- 
ly barren  of  information  concerning  the  nature  and 
description  of  inventions.  Why  this  meagreness  of 
detail  is  put  forth,  and  important  information  thus 


232 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


withheld  or  suppressed,  is  a  problem  that  we  cannot 
solve.  We  have  before  alluded  to  the  marked  differ- 
ence which  exists  between  the  English  and  American 
Patent  Offices  in  this  important  particular,  and  while 
we  are  able  to  give  full,  minute,  and  instructive  de- 
scriptions of  English  patents,  we  can  only  afford,  in 
many  American  patents  herein  referred  to,  but  little 
more  than  the  announcement  of  the  issue. 

SYNOPSIS  OP  AMERICAN  PATENTS. 

First  American  Patent,  received  by  Jacob  H.  Hum- 
mel, of  Philadelphia,  April  29,  1813,  for  India-rubber 
Varnish. . 

Second,  to  George  H.  Richards,  Washington,  D.  C, 
April  11,  1831,  for  India-rubber  Fluid,  to  render  ar- 
ticles water-proof. 

Third,  to  Wait  Webster,  New  York,  May  19,  1832, 
for  attaching  India-rubber  soles  to  boots  and  shoes. 

Fourth,  to  Edwin  M.  Chaffee,  Roxbury,  Mass.,  Feb. 
6,  1833,  for  India-rubber  shoes. 

Fifth,  to  Nathaniel  Ruggles,  Bridgeport,  Conn., 
Feb.  20,  1833,  for  attaching  India-rubber  soles  to 
boots  and  shoes. 

Sixth,  to  Samuel  D.  Breed,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  April 
4,  1833,  for  attaching  soles  to  boots  and  shoes  by 
means  of  India-rubber. 

Seventh,  to  Samuel  D.  Breed,  Philadelphia,  June 
29,  1833,  for  hose  from  cloth  and  gum-elastic. 


ft 

AMERICAN  PATENTS.  233 


Eighth,  to  Edwin  M.  Chaffee,  Roxbury,  Mass.,  Dec. 
31,  1833,  for  India-rubber  mail  and  travelling  bags. 

Ninth,  to  Edwin  M.  Chaffee,  Roxbury,  Mass.,  May 
17,  1834,  for  boots  and  shoes  from  India-rubber. 

Tenth,  to  Patrickftackie,  New  York,  Oct.  16, 1834, 
for  covering  ropes  with  India-rubber. 
Re-issued,  Dec.  3,  1834. 

Eleventh,  to  A.  L.  Van  Horn,  Philadelphia,  Pa., 
June  26,  1835,  India-rubber  webbing  for  riding-sad- 
dles. 

Twelfth,  to  Charles  Goodyear,  New  Haven,  Conn., 
Sept.  9,  1835,  for  India-rubber  cement. 

Thirteenth  and  Fourteenth  to  William  Atkinson, 
New  York,  Oct.  6,  1835,  for  cutting  India-rubber  into 
threads ;  also,  another  patent  same  date,  for  spread- 
ing and  drying  India-rubber  upon  cloth. 

Fifteenth,  to  Patrick  Mackie,  New  York,  March  23, 
1836,  for  dissolving  India-rubber  in  naptha  and  sul- 
phate of  zinc. 

Sixteenth,  to  Ranson  Warner,  New  York,  May  18, 
1836,  for  manufacturing  gum-elastic  suspenders. 

Seventeenth,  to  E.  M.  Chaffee,  Roxbury,  Mass.,  May 
31,  1836,  for  India-rubber  application  to  cloth.  Mr. 
Chaffee  obtained  another  patent  in  August,  1836,  for 
softening  India-rubber  and  applying  it  to  cloth,  with- 
out dissolving  it,  by  pressing  it  between  heated  rollers. 
This  was  and  is,  a  very  important  patent.  It  is  not 
reported  in  the  United  States  Patent  Reports,  and  the 
reason  for  its  suppression  is  variously  accounted  for. 


2U 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


Eighteenth.  Specification  of  a  Patent  for  divest- 
ing caoutchouc  or  India-rubber  of  its  adhesive  qual- 
ities, and  also  of  bleaching  the  same,  and  thereby 
adapting  it  to  various  useful  purposes.  Granted 
to  Charles  Goodyear,  New  York  City,  June  17th, 
1837.  * 

Mr.  Goodyear  claims  the  discovery  of  a  new  and 
improved  mode  or  process  of  divesting  caoutchouc, 
gum  elastic,  or  India-rubber,  of  its  adhesive  proper- 
ties. I  employ  the  various  acid  solutions  of  the 
metals,  and  with  such  metallic  solution  I  wash  over 
the  surface  of  the  caoutchouc,  of  which  I  mean  to 
destroy  the  adhesive  property  ;  or  instead  of  washing 
the  surface  of  the  caoutchouc,  I  dip  it,  or  the  article 
coated  with  it,  into  such  a  solution.  * 

The  metallic  solutions  are  not,  by  any  means, 
equally  effective  in  destroying  the  adhesiveness  of 
the  caoutchouc  ;  the  stronger  acids  being  in  all  cases 
preferred,  as  being  perfect  in  their  action,  nor  is  it 
indifferent  what  kind  of  metal  is  employed.  The 
strong  nitric  acid,  undiluted,  is  that  which  I  in  gen- 
eral prefer ;  and  among  the  metals,  I  prefer  either 
copper  or  bismuth,  forming  a  nitrate  of  copper,  or 
a  nitrate  of  bismuth,  as  the  full  effect  is  produced  by 
these  solutions  in  from  one  to  five  minutes.  After 
the  action  is  thought  to  be  complete,  the  article 
acted  upon  is  to  be  washed  with  water,  so  as 
to  remove  the  whole  of  the  acid  solution,  and  it  will 
be  found  that  not  only  the  surface  of  the  caoutchouc 
will  resemble  that  of  a  soft  cloth,  but  that  the  surface 
may  be  worn  off  to  a  considerable  depth,  and  the 
new  surface  not  manifest  the  slightest  tendency  to 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


235 


adhesiveness  ;  it  is  indeed  so  far  altered  in  its  proper- 
ties as  to  resist,  to  a  considerable  extent,  the  action 
of  those  menstrua  by  which  it  is  ordinarily  dissolved. 
It  may,  for  example,  be  washed  in  spirits  of  turpen- 
tine, or  in  the  oil  of  sassafras,  witho  t  being  rendered 
sticky  ;  and  it  will  equally  resist  the  action  of  solar 
or  of  artificial  heat,  under  all  ordinary  temperatures. 

I  have  sometimes  covered  the  surface  of  the  caout- 
chouc with  the  metallic  powder  know  by  the  name 
of  bronze,  and  have  afterwards  washed  it  over  with 
nitric  acid,  which  has  produced  the  same  effect  as 
the  washing  it  with,  or  dipping  it  in  the  metallic 
solution,  such  a  solution  being  in  this  case  im- 
mediately produced  by  the  action  of  the  acid 
upon  the  metal.  It  is  a  common  practice  to  add 
some  of  the  absorbent  earths,  or  some  pigment, 
to  the  dissolved  caoutchouc,  and  when  this  is  done 
the  metallic  solution  may  be  readily  made  to  operate 
to  a  greater  or  less  extent  throughout  the  whole  mass 
of  a  sheet  of  considerable  thickness. 

Instead  of  the  process  above  described,  or  prepar- 
atory to  it,  I  combine  the  caoutchouc  #rith  quick 
lime,  as  I  have  found  this  earth  is  preferable,  in  fit- 
ting the  sheet  caoutchouc  to  be  acted  upon  through- 
out its  whole  thickness  by  the  metallic  solution  :  but 
besides  this,  the  lime  has  the  property  of  bleaching 
the  caoutchouc,  and  of  giving  to  it  a  surface  and 
texture  adapting  it  to  the  receiving  impressions  from 
copper  plates,  or  by  other  modes  of  printing,  render- 
ing it,  either  alone  or  when  used  as  a  coating  for 
cloth,  applicable  to  the  purpose  of  printing  charts, 
or  other  devices.    The  caoutchouc  so  prepared  with 


236 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


lime,  will  be  rendered  adhesive  by  the  action  of  heat 
or  of  solvents,  \\n less-  the  metallic  solutions  be  ap- 
plied to  it ;  in  which  case  much  of  the  whiteness 
communicated  to  it  by  the  bleaching  property  of  the 
lime  will  disappear. 

The  following  is  the  process  : 

I  slake  a  portion  of  the  finest  quick  lime,  and 
then  mix  and  agitate  it  with  so  much  water  as  that 
it  shall  not  be  thicker  than  milk,  when  on  allowing 
it  to  stand  at  rest,  all  the  coarser  particles  contained 
ih.  it  will  rapidly  subside  ;  the  upper  portion  contain- 
ing the  finer  particles,  is  then  to  be  poured  off,  and 
the  fine  lime  allowed  to  subside,  the  water  left  on 
the  surface  of  this  being  poured  off,  it  is  obtained  in 
a  state  fit  for  incorporation  With  the  caoutchouc  when 
in  that  form  of  thick  paste  into  which  it  is  brought 
by  the  manufacturer,  preparatory  to  its  being  rolled 
into  sheets. 

What  I  claim  as  my  invention,  and  wish  to  secure 
by  letters  patent,  is  the  destroying  of  the  adhesive 
property  not  only  of  the  surface  of  caoutchouc,  gum 
elastic,  or  Ifcdia-rubber,  but  also  to  a  considerable 
extent  below  the  surface,  whether  the  same  being  in 
sheets  unconnected  with  cloth,  or  other  substances, 
or  when  used  as  a  coating  therefor,  by  the  application 
thereto  of  an  acid  solution  of  the  metals,  substantial- 
ly in  the  manner  set  forth. 

I  also  claim  the  manner  of  preparing  and  incor- 
porating lime  with  the  caoutchouc  paste,  for  the 
purpose  of  bleaching  it,  and  giving  to  the  sheets 
formed  of  it  a  color  and  texture  adapting  it  to  re- 
ceive printing  impressures  and  rendering  it  applicable 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


237 


to  various  other  purposes,  either  without  or  with  the 
treatment  by  the  metallic  solutions,  as  set  forth. 

I  further  claim,  as  an  entirely  new  manufacture, 
the  sheet  caoutchouc  prepared  by  the  within  de- 
scribed process  of  treatment,  by  the  metallic  solu- 
tions as  herein  described,  as  it  is  thereby  so  essential- 
ly changed  in  its  properties  as  to  bear  but  little 
resemblance  to  such  articles  as  have,  heretofore,  been 
manufactured  out  of  the  same  material,  and  is  ren- 
dered applicable  to  a  variety  of  new  purposes  hitherto 
unattempted,  or  attempted  without  success. 

Nineteenth,  to  Stephen  C.  Smith,  New  York,  De- 
cember 7th,  1837.    Manufacture  of  India-rubber. 

Twentieth,  to  Charles  Goodyear,  Roxbury,  Mass. 
July  24th,  1838.    For  manufacturing  India-rubber. 

Twenty-first,  to  Nathaniel  Hayward,  Assigner  to 
Charles  Goodyear,  Boston,  Mass.,  Feb.  24th,  1839. 
For  an  Improvement  in  the  mode  of  preparing  India- 
rubber  for  the  manufacture  of  various  articles. 

Sulphur,  it  is  known,  is  soluble  in  the  essential 
oils,  which  also  are  the  solvents  usually  employed 
for  dissolving  caoutchouc,  the  oil  of  turpentine  being 
generally  employed  for  that  purpose.  I  take  the 
essential  oil,  say  oil  of  turpentine,  and  dissolve  in  it, 
by  digestion,  a  portion  of  sulphur  generally  using 
about  a  tea-spoonful  of  sulphur,  in  flour,  to  a 
quantity  of  oil  of  turpentine  which  is  to  dissolve  a 
pound  of  India-rubber ;  the  exact  proportion  not 
being  important,  and  that  indicated  being  sufficiently 
near  for  practical  purposes.  With  this  solution  I 
proceed  as  with  the  ordinary  spirits  of  turpentine. 


238 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


Instead  of  making  this  solution  of  sulphur,  I 
sometimes  use  the  flour  of  sulphur,  or  sulphur  in 
fine  powder,  and  incorporate  it  in  the  proportion 
above  indicated  with  the  gum  when  brought  to  a 
pulpy  mass  by  any  of  the  common  solvents,  or  when 
worked  by  heated  cylinders  without  any  solvents, 
taking  care  that  it  is  intimately  mixed  with  the  mass. 
Another  mode  of  using  the  sulphur  is  to  apply  it  to 
the  surface  of  the  gum  after  it  has  been  applied  to 
the  cloth,  or  rolled  into  sheets,  causing  it  to  adhere 
by  pressure  or  otherwise.  After  which  the  gum  is 
to  be  submitted  to  the  action  of  metallic  salts,  in 
the  manner  described  by  Charles  Goodyear. 

The  effect  of  the  sulphur  in  whatever  way  it  may 
be  added  to  the  gum,  is  to  cause  it  to  dry  more 
perfectly,  and  to  improve  the  whole  substance  there- 
of, rendering  it  much  superior  to  that  prepared  by 
any  other  combination  therewith.  The  subsequent 
process  of  curing,  or  tanning,  the  surface  above  re- 
ferred to,  as  patented  by  Charles  Goodyear,  removes 
all  the  odor  of  sulphur,  and  is  intended  to  be  gen 
erally  applied  to  all  articles  manufactured  as  above. 

What  I  claim  as  my  invention,  and  desire  to 
secure  by  letters  patent,  is  the  combining  of  sulphur 
with  gum  elastic,  whether  in  solution  or  in  substance, 
in  either  of  the  modes  above  pointed  out,  or  in  any 
other  that  is  substantially  the  same,  and  which  will 
produce  a  like  effect. 

Twenty-second,  to  Charles  B.  Rodgers,  and  E. 
Arnold,  Charlestown,  Mass.,  June  21, 1841.  Assigns 
to  E.  Chaffee,  Cambridgeport,  Mass.  For  manufac- 
turing India-rubber  Balls. 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


239 


Twenty-third,  to  Sewall  Gleason,  New  York,  Nov. 
24,  1843.  For  Machine  for  making  India-rubber 
Hats. 

Twenty-fourth,  to  Charles  Goodyear,  New  York, 
March  9,  1844.    For  India-rubber  Fabrics. 

Twenty-fifth,  to  Charles  Goodyear,  New  York,  June 
15,  1844.    For  India-rubber  Fabrics. 

Twenty-sixth,  to  H.  G.  Tyer  and  J.  Helm,  New 
Brunswick,  N.  J.,  October  9, 1844.  For  India-rubber 
Cutting. 

Twenty-seventh,  to  Horace  H.  Day,  Jersey  City, 
N.  J.,  October  12,  1844.  For  India-rubber  Goods 
corrugated  and  shirred. 

Twenty-eighth,  to  Nelson  Goodyear,  Newton,  Conn., 
April  22,  1845.    For  manufacture  of  India-rubber. 

Twenty-ninth,  to  Nelson  Goodyear,  Newton,  Conn., 
May  13,  1845.    For  India-rubber  Fabrics. 

Thirtieth,  to  James  Bogardus,  New  York,  May  21, 
1845.    For  Sheering  Machine  for  India-rubber. 

Thirty-first,  to  Horace  H.  Bay,  Jersey  City,  N.  J., 
June  7,  1845,  H.  G.  Tyer,  and  J.  Helm,  New 
Brunswick,  N.  J.  For  Machine  for  cutting  India- 
rubber  Threads. 

Thirty-second,  to  Charles  Goodyear,  New  York, 
June  10,  1845.    For  India-rubber  Fabrics. 

Thirty-third,  to  James  Bogardus,  New  York,  No- 
vember 21,  1845.  For  Machine  for  cutting  India- 
rubber  Tli  reads. 


240 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


Thirty-fourth,  to  Horace  Day,  New  York,  Juna 
15,  1846.    For  India-rubber  Portable  Boat. 

Thirty-fifth,  to  J.  W.  Harrison,  New  York,  June 
15,  1846.  For  process  for  grinding  India-rubber 
previous  to  softening. 

Thirty-sixth,  to  William  F.  Ely,  New  York,  April 
17,  1847.    For  preparing  India-rubber. 

Thirty-seventh,  to  Charles  J.  Gilbert,  and  Gama- 
liel Gay,  New  York,  July  17,  1847.  For  India-rub- 
ber Fabrics. 

Thirty-eighth,  to  Robert  Story,  and  Thomas  Hop- 
per, New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  August  17,1847.  For 
India-rubber  Shoes. 

Thirty-ninth,  to  James  Thomas,  New  York,  Sep- 
tember 4,  1847.    For  preparing  India-rubber. 

Fortieth,  to  Charles  F.  Durant,  Jersey  City,  N.  J., 
October  25,  1847.  For  process  for  softening  and 
dissolving  India-rubber  in  Chloroform. 

Forty-first,  to  Charles  Goodyear,  New  Haven, 
Conn.,  April  25,  1848.  For  process  of  making  hol- 
low spheres,  various  hollow  toys,  or  other  hollow 
articles  of  India-rubber  (caoutchouc),  the  same  con- 
sisting in  the  employment  of  a  mould,  and  heat,  and 
air,  substantially  in  the  manner  above  set  forth. 

Forty-second,  to  Charles  F.  Durant,  Jersey  City, 
N.  J.,  April  25, 1848.  For  application  of  per-chloride 
of  formyle,  otherwise  known  as  chloroform,  to  soften 
and  dissolve  gutta-percha,  and  to  soften  and  dissolve 
rubber. 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


241 


Forty-third,  to  Horace  H.  Day,  Jersey  City.  N.  J., 
May  2,  1848.  For  finishing  or  treating  cloth,  or 
other  articles  made  wholly  or  partly  of  gutta-percha, 
and  cloth  and  fabric  made  of  these,  with  Japan  var- 
nish, such  as  is  generally  used  in  the  manufacture  of 
patent  leather. 

Forty-fourth,  to  Horace  H.  Day,  and  Francis  D. 
Hayward,  of  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  May  7,  1848,  re- 
issued November  7,  1848.  For  forming  and  render- 
ing elastic  suspenders,  shoulder  braces,  riding  belts, 
and  other  similar  articles,  by  use  in  combination 
therewith  of  the  elastic  rings,  for  the  purpose  of  giv- 
ing spring  and  draught. 

Forty-fifth,  to  Henry  Bewley,  Dublin,  Ireland,  May 
23,  1848.  For  application  of  gutta-percha  in  any  of 
the  states,  and  by  any  of  the  processes  before  speci- 
fied, to  the  manufacture  of  flexible  syringes,  tubes, 
bottles,  hose,  or  other  like  vehicles  or  vessels,  or  to 
the  improvement  of  such  articles  after  manufacture. 

Forty-sixth,  to  Charles  Hancock,  Grosvenor  Place, 
London,  May  23,  1848.  For  a  method  of  making 
bands  and  belts  of  gutta-percha,  or  the  compounds 
thereof,  by  the  process  of  forming,  in  combination 
with  the  process  of  stretching  or  drawing  out,  sub-  * 
stantially  as  described ;  and  this  I  claim  irrespective 
of  the  methods  that  may  be  employed  for  forming 
and  stretching,  or  drawing  out  the  bands  or  belts. 

Forty-seventh,  to  R.  A.  Brooman,  London,  Eng- 
land, May  23,  1848.    For  manufacture  of  various 
articles,  by  moulding,  stamping,  or  embossing,  &c, 
11 


242 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


to  give  to  such  articles  the  form  required  to  be  re- 
tained, whether  useful  or  ornamental,  whereby  I  am 
enabled  to  produce  articles  useful  or  ornamental,  or 
both,  at  less  cost,  more  durable,  more  easily  applied, 
and  in  short,  more  valuable  than  when  made  of  any 
other  known  substance ;  and  this  I  claim,  whether 
made  of  gutta-percha  alone,  or  in  combination  with 
such  other  substances  as  are  herein  specified. 

Forty-eighth,  to  Charles  Keene,  Sussex  Place,  Re- 
gent Park,  England,  May  23,  1848.  For  the.  manu- 
facture of  boots,  shoes,  and  other  articles  of  any 
known  kind  of  cloth  or  leather,  lined  or  coated,  as 
herein  described,  with  gutta-percha  in  any  of  the 
states  of  preparation  or  combination,  by  cementing 
instead  of  sewing  or  stitching  them  together. 

Forty^ninth,  to  Richard  Solis,  November  7,  1848. 
For  a  mode  of  preparing  the  cloth  for  the  rubber  by 
stretching,  also  placing  the  rubber  on  the  cloth 
obliquely. 

Fiftieth,  to  H.  G.  Tyer  and  John  G.  Helm,  Janua- 
ry 30,  1849.  For  improvement  in  the  manufacture 
of  India-rubber.  We  here  disclaim  the  use  of  rubber 
and  sulphur  alone,  as  also  the  submitting  of  rubber, 
or  rubber  compounds  to  a  high  degree  of  heat,  patents 
having  been  granted  for  that  process,  in  this  and  oth- 
er countries  ;  neither  do  we  wish  to  secure  the  right 
of  coloring  rubber,  such  having  frequently  been  done 
by  rubber  manufacturers. 

But  what  we  do  claim  and  wish  to  secure  by  letters 
patent,  is  the  combination  of  caoutchouc  in  its  several 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


243 


varieties,  with  either  .carbonate  of  zinc,  sulphate  of 
zinc,  or  the  other  salts  of  zinc  with  sulphur,  in  man- 
ner, form  and  proportion  as  hereinbefore  set  forth. 

Fifty-first,  to  H.  G.  Tyer  and  John  G.  Helm,  Aug. 
7,1849.  Re-issue.  For  improvement  in  the  manu- 
facture of  India-rubber  gqpds  by  means  of  zinc  com- 
pounds. 

We  here  disclaim  the  use  of  rubber  and  sulphur 
alone,  as  also  the  submitting  of  rubber  or  rubber  com- 
pounds to  a  high  degree  of  heat ;  neither  do  we  wish 
to  secure  the  right  of  coloring  rubber,  such  having 
frequently  been  done  by  rubber  manufacturers. 
.  But  what  we  do  claim  as  our  invention,  and  desire 
to  secure  by  letters  patent,  is  India-rubber  fabrics 
made  by  the  combination  of  caoutchouc  in  its  several 
varieties,  with  zinc  compounds,  in  their  various  forms, 
as  herein  set  forth,  and  sulphur  ;  and  in  combination 
with  these,  the  submitting  our  compound  to  the  ac- 
tion of  a  high  degree  of  heat ;  the  whole  being  com- 
bined and  manufactured  substantially  as  above  de- 
scribed. 

Fifty-second,  to  Nelson  Goodyear,  Oct.  16,  1849. 
For  improvement  in  elastic  cords  for  suspenders.  I  do 
not  claim  simply  covering  threads  of  metallic  or  vul- 
canized rubber  with  braid,  as  this  has  long  since  been 
done,  but  not  whilst  the  India-rubber  is  in  a  state  of 
tension  ;  nor  do  I  claim  simply  combining  non-elastic 
cords  with  the  button-hole  pieces,  and  with  the  shoul- 
der straps  of  suspenders,  by  passing  such  cords 
through  loops  or  around  rollers  attached  to  the  shoul- 
der straps,  as  this  has  also  been  long  known  ;  but  — 


244 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


What  I  claim  as  my  invention,  and  desire  to  secure 
by  letters  patent,  is  the  making  of  elastic  cords  for 
suspenders,  by  braiding  or  winding  silk,  cotton,  or 
other  threads,  around  cords  of  metallic  or  vulcanized 
India-rubber,  whilst  in  a  partially  distended  state,  sub- 
stantially as  described,  whereby  springs  of  greater  re- 
sisting force  areproduced,th%nby  any  other  known  plan. 

Fifty-third  and  fifty-fourth,  to  Charles  Goodyear  — 
re-issued  —  Dec.  25,  1849.  For  improvement  in  pro- 
cesses for  the  manufacture  of  India-rubber.  What  I 
claim  as  my  invention,  and  desire  to  secure  by  letters 
patent,  is  the  curing  of  caoutchouc  or  India-rubber, 
by  subjecting  it  to  the  action  of  a  high  degree  of  arti- 
ficial heat,  substantially  as  herein  described,  and  for 
the  purpose  specified. 

And  I  also  claim  the  preparing  and  curing  the  com- 
pound of  India-rubber,  sulphur,  and  a  carbonate  or 
other  salt  or  oxide  of  lead,  by  subjecting  the  same  to 
the  action  of  artificial  heat,  substantially  as  herein 
described. 

For  improvement  in  felting  India-rubber  with  cot-- 
ton  fibre.  What  I  claim  as  new  and  of  my  invention, 
is  incorporating  the  fibres  of  cotton  or  other  sub- 
stances, with  India-rubber,  by  pressing  the  fibres  of  a 
fleece  or  bat  of  cotton  or  other  fibrous  substance  into 
a  sheet  of  India-rubber  in  the  green  state,  with- 
out subjecting  the  fibres,  after  they  have  been  in- 
corporated, to  a  stretching  or  drawing  operation,  sub- 
stantially as  herein  described. 

Fifty-fifth,  to  Francis  C.  Hayward  and  J.  C.  Blck- 
ford,  of  Colchester,  Conn.,  March  19, 1850.    For  pro- 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


245 


cess  of  rolling  India-rubber  cloth.  The  "  claim  "  is  a 
new  or  improved  process  of  applying  rubber  to  cloth, 
by  means  of  rollers  ;  the  process  being  a  combination, 
of  the  method  of  spreading  rubber  by  the  pressure  o 
rollers,  and  the  method  of  grinding  and  spreading,  at 
one  and  the  same  time,  against  and  into  the  substance 
of  the  cloth. 

Fifty-sixth,  to  John  Pridham,  Assigner  to  Horace 
H.  Day,  New  York,  March  19, 1850,  for  use  of  oxide 
of  tin,  in  the  manufacture  of  India-rubber.  He  does 
not  claim  the  combining  of  ochre  or  pipe  clay  with 
India-rubber,  or  submitting  rubber  to  high  heat,  or 
mixing  sulphur  with  rubber.  The  specific  claim  is, 
the  combining  rubber  with  tin,  as  set  forth,  and  the 
combination  of  these  with  sulphur  and  heat,  whereby 
is  produced  a  fabric  having  a  black  surface,  which  is 
capable  of  withstanding  all  the  elements  which  distin- 
guish vulcanized  from  other  preparations  of  rubber. 

Fifty-seventh,  to  Fowler  M.  Ray,  New  York,  April 
2,  1850.  For  springs  for  cars,  &c,  of  India-rubber. 
A  method  of  making  cylinder  or  rolls  of  prepared  In- 
dia-rubber, by  rolling  up  a  thin  sheet  of  India-rubber, 
on  a  mandrel,  while  the  sheet  is  in  a  green  state,  and 
as  it  comes  from  the  heated  calendering  cylinders, 
substantially  as  described.  He  also  claims  a  mandrel 
or  cylindrical  rod  pressed  against  the  periphery,  or  a 
cylinder  or  roller,  so  that  the  thin  sheet  of  prepared 
rubber  in  the  green  state,  and  taken  as  it  comes  from 
the  calendering  cylinder,  may  be  wound  upon  the 
mandrel,  and  the  several  windings  made  to  adhere,  by 
pressure,  substantially  as  described. 


246 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


Fifty-eighth,  to  S.  T.  Armstrong  &  C.  J.  Gilbert,  of 
New  York,  N.  Y.,  for  improvement  in  the  process  of 
working  gutta-percha.  Sept.  17,  1850.  What  we 
claim  under  the  first  part  of  our  invention,  consists 
in  the  use  of  lime  or  other  alkaline  substance,  with 
heat,  in  the  manner  substantially  as  herein  described, 
in  the  cleaning  of  gutta-percha,  to  neutralize  the  acid 
or  acids  contained  in  that  substance  in  its  crude  or 
native  state,  and  thus  preserve  and  render  more  per- 
manent its  useful  properties,  as  specified. 

And  in  the  second  part  of  our  invention,  we  claim 
compounding  lime  with  gutta-percha,  substantially  as 
herein  e  described,  for  the  purpose  of  improving  its 
qualities,  preserving  it  wholly  or  partly  from  deterio- 
ration, and  protecting  it  against  the  injurious  effects 
of  the  atmosphere  and  heat,  substantially  as  described. 

Remarks.  —  Two  patents  for  improvement  in  the 
manufacture  of  India-rubber,  were  granted  in  1850. 
The  first  of  which  is  for  the  use  of  the  hypo-sulphate 
of  zinc.  This  salt  is  prepared  in  the  following  man- 
ner. In  a  solution  of  caustic  lime,  potash,  or  other 
caustic  alkali,  boil  flour  of  sulphur  until  the  liquor  is 
saturated,  and  into  this  liquid  pass  sulphurous  acid 
gas,  by  any  of  the  known  means,  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  a  hypo-sulphate  of  the  alkaline  base.  The 
liquid  is  allowed  to  stand  and  cool.  The  clear  liquor 
is  then  decanted  into  a  vessel  containing  a  suitable 
quantity  of  a  saturated  solution  of  the  nitrate  or  oth- 
er analogous  salt  of  zinc.  On  mixing  these  solutions 
the  zinc  is  precipitated  in  a  white  powder,  which  is 
regarded  as  the  hypo-sulphate  of  zinc.  It  is  then 
washed  on  a  filter,  dried  and  subsequently  ground  in 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


247 


a  paint-mill.  Three  pounds  of  this  powder  is  mixed 
with  ten  pounds  of  India-rubber,  and  heated  from 
three  to  five  hours,  at  a  temperature  of  260Q  to  280°, 
The  rubber,  according  to  the  inventor,  will  be  found 
completely  cured  or  vulcanized,  and  requires  no  free 
sulphur  to  be  used  in  any  part  of  the  process,  and  no 
washing  with  alkali,  as  do  the  ordinary  materials  used 
for  vulcanizing.  Hence  it  is  alleged  that  this  process 
is  adapted  to  the  covering  of  silks  and  other  delicate 
textures,  and  colored  fabrxs. 

Another  patent  was  granted  for  a  compound  for 
vulcanizing  India-rubber.  The  mode  of  treatment  is 
much  the  same  as  the  last,  and  produces  the  same  re- 
sults. The  material  is  the  artificial  bi-sulphuret  of 
zinc.  The  inventor  claims  the  use  of  this  composi- 
tion without  the  use  of  sulphur  in  any  part  of  the  pro- 
cess of  manufacture,  and  the  washing  with  alkaline 
solutions  is  not  required,  and  is  not  used  in  this  mode 
of  manufacture. 

Fifty-ninth,  to  Fowler  M.  Ray,  New  York,  Oct.  18, 
1850.  For  vulcanized  India-rubber  springs.  The 
"  claim  "  as  set  forth  in  the  employment  of  a  ring,  or 
rings,  or  disks,  made  of  any  of  the  preparations  of 
caoutchouc,  known  under  the  various  appellations  of 
metallic  or  vulcanized  rubber,  as  a  substitute  for 
metal  or  other  kinds  of  springs,  heretofore  known 
and  used,  when  such  ring  or  rings,  or  disk  or  disks, 
or  the  equivalent  thereof  are  applied,  in  manner  sub- 
stantially as  described,  whether  made  of  metal  or  oth- 
er solid  or  non-elastic  substance.  Also  making  the 
surfaces  of  all  or  either  of  the  plates  above  and  below, 
and  interposed  between  the  elastic  rings  or  their 


248 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


equivalents,  or  the  surfaces  of  the  elastic  rings  or 
other  of  their  convex,  substantially  in  the  manner 
and  for  the  purpose  specified. 

Sixtieth,  to  Jonathan  Trotter,  of  New  York,  Dec. 
3,  1850.  For  vulcanizing  India-Rubber.  The  claim 
is  the  use  and  employment  of  zinc,  in  a  manner 
whereby  a  hypo-sulphate  or  similar  preparation  of 
zinc  is  obtained  in  combination  with  India-rubber,  for 
the  purpose  of  curing  or  vulcanizing  it,  substantially 
as  set  forth  with  the  use  of  free  sulphur  in  any  way 
in  combination  with  the  rubber.. 

Sixty-first,  'to  Jonathan  T.  Trotter,  New  York, 
January  1,  1851.  For  improvement  in  the  man- 
ufacture of  India-rubber. 

Having  described  my  improved  process  of  curing 
rubber,  I  will  state  what  I  claim  and  desire  to  secure 
by  letters  patent.  What  T  claim,  therefore,  is  the 
use  'and  employment  of  zinc,  substantially  as  pre- 
pared by  the  process  above  described,  in  combination 
with  India-rubber,  for  the  purpose  of  curing  or  vul- 
canizing it,  in  form  and  manner  as  herein  set  forth, 
without  the  use  of  free  sulphur  in  any  way  in  com- 
bination with  the  rubber. 

Sixty-second,  to  David  McCurdy,  Newark,  N.  J., 
April  1,  1851.  For  improvement  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  India-rubber. 

Having  described  my  invention,  and  the  best  mode 
known  to  me  of  manufacturing  the  same,  what  I 
claim  as  my  invention,  and  desire  to  secure  by  letters 
patent,  is  the  combination  of  potash  with  rubber 
and  sulphur,  and  submitting  the  same  to  a  high 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


249 


degree  of  heat,  whereby  to  produce  the  change  upon 
rubber  known  as  vulcanizing. 

Sixty-third,  to  James  Keynolds,  New  York,  April 
22,1851.  For  improvement  in  machines  for  gutta- 
percha tubing  and  covering  wire. 

What  I  claim  as  my  invention,  and  desire  to  secure 
by  letters  patent,  is  the  use,  for  the  purposes  specified, 
of  feed-rollers,  C,  C,  in  combination  with  the  stom- 
ach, G,  G,  having  a  lip,  or  mouth,  h,  arranged  and 
operating  substantially  as  shown  and  described. 

Sixty-fourth,  to  Nelson  Goodyear,  New  York,  May 
6?  1851.  For  improvement  in  the  manufacture  of 
India-rubber. 

I  do  not  claim  the  heating  or  curing  process,  as  it 
is  termed ;  that  having  been  patented  by  Charles 
Goodyear.  . 

What  I  do  claim  as  my  invention,  and  desire  to 
secure  by  letters  patent,  is  the  combining  of  India- 
rubber  and  sulphur,  either  with  or  without  shellac, 
for  making  a  hard  and  inflexible  substance,  hitherto 
unknown,  substantially  as  herein  set  forth. 

And  I  also  claim  the  combining  of  India-rubber, 
sulphur,  and  magnesia,  or  lime,  or  a  carbonate,  or 
a  sulphate  of  magnesia,  or  of  lime,  either  with  or 
without  shellac,  for  making  a  hard  and  inflexible 
substance,  hitherto  unknown,  substantially  as  herein 
set  forth. 

Sixty-fifth,  to  Horace  H.  Day,  Jersey  City,  N.  J., 
May  20,  1851.  For  improvement  in  India-rubber 
shoes. 

11* 


250 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


Having  described  the  advantages  of  my  improve- 
ment, and  the  best  way  known  to  me  of  manufactur- 
ing the  same,  what  I  claim  as  my  invention,  and 
desire  to  secure  by  letters  patent,  is  the  manufacture 
of  rubber  boots  and  shoes  without  cloth,  being  made 
of  separate  pieces  of  different  degrees  of  elasticity, 
and  each  piece  having  its  peculiar  and  requisite  de- 
gree, the  shoe  to  possess  different  degrees  of  elasticity 
in  different  parts,  and  uniform  elasticity  in  each  dif- 
ferent part,  and  having  no  part  without  some  elastic- 
ity in  every  direction,  by  the  means  herein  described, 
or  any  other  substantially  the  same,  whereby  I  lessen 
the  cost,  obtain  a  shoe  not  liable  to  break,  which  can 
be  kept  clean,  stretched  in  every  direction  at  the 
same  time,  easier  to  the  foot,  adjustable  to  larger 
boots,  and  yet  not  rendered  useless  to  wear  over 
smaller,  light  and  elegant,  and  retain  permanently 
their  shape. 

Sixty- sixth,  to  S.  T.  Armstrong,  New  York,  June 
24,  1851.  For  improvement  in  making  gutta-percha 
hollow  ware. 

What  I  claim  as  my  invention,  and  desire  to 
secure  by  letters  patent,  in  the  process  above  de- 
scribed, is  the  method,  as  described,  of  moulding 
articles  of  gutta-percha,  or  the  compounds  of  gutta- 
percha with  other  substances,  by  first  making  the 
same  in  the  form  of  a  pipe,  and  whilst  in  a  partially 
heated  and  plastic  state,  giving  to  it  the  form  requir- 
ed in  a  mould,  by  forcing  a  liquid  inside  to  expand 
the  gutta-percha,  as  described. 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


251 


Sixty-seventh,  to  John  Ryder,  New  York,  June  1, 
1852.  For  improvement  in  the  process  of  manufac- 
turing gutta-percha. 

The  claim  is  the  preparation  of  gutta-percha  for 
vulcanizing  by  a  preliminary  separate  heating  of  it, 
to  such  a  degree  as  to  expel  its  volatile  ingredients, 
which  generally  can  be  effected  at  the  high  tempera- 
tures of  from  285°  to  430  Fah.  Mr.  Ryder  also 
claims  the  process  of  vulcanizing  gutta-percha  by 
first  heating  it  to  a  sufficiently  high  temperature  to 
expel  all  the  volatile  ingredients  specified,  which  it 
is  believed  can  be  done  between  285°  and  430°,  and 
then  incorporating  with  it  a  hypo-sulphate,  either 
alone  or  in  combination  with  metallic  sulphurets  or 
whiting,  or  magnesia,  or  with  all  of  them  together, 
and  then  subjecting  the  mixture  to  a  temperature  of 
from  285°  to  320°  Fah.,  all  the  steps  of  the  process 
being  performed  as  set  forth.  Mr.  Ryder  disclaims 
the  vulcanizing  of  gutta-percha  in  all  cases  save 
when  it  has  been  prepared  for  the  vulcanizing  opera 
tion  by  the  aforesaid  preliminary  heating. 

Sixty-eighth,  to  Frederick  Bonner,  Yera  Cruz,  Mex- 
ico, Sept.  7,  1852.    For  preserving  India-rubber. 

The  nature  of  my  discovery,  is  by  applying  the 
before  mentioned  quantity  of  Campeachy  salt,  or 
muriate  of  soda,  to  the  rubber,  in  its  sap  state,  and 
that  by  so  doing,  to  prevent  putrefaction  and  fermen- 
tation of  the  juice,  to  which,  more  especially,  I  con- 
fine the  claim  of  my  invention. 

Sixty-ninth,  to  Charles  Goodyear,  New  Haven, 
Conn.,  October   12,  1852.     For   improvement  in 


252 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


making  India-rubber  Bat  cloth.  The  claim  is  pass- 
ing the  bat  or  fleece  cotton,  flax,  silk,  or  other  fibrous 
substance,  together  with  dissolved  or  softened  India- 
rubber,  gutta-percha  or  other  vulcanized  gum,  or  the 
compounds  or  preparations  thereof,  between  calen- 
dering rollers,  with  an  elastic  substance  interposed 
between  the  bat  or  fleece,  and  one  of  the  rollers  as 
described,  or  between  the  glazed  apron  and  one  of 
the  rollers,  substantially  described. 

Seventieth,  to  John  L.  Kingsley,  New  York,  Janu- 
ary 18,  1853.  For  improvement  in  metallic  gum 
composition. 

The  nature  of  this  invention  consists  in  the  process 
of  preparing  and  using  compositions  made  by  grind- 
ing metals,  earths,  and  other  similar  materials,  with 
the  raw  uncured  gums  of  gutta-percha  and  caout- 
chouc (India-rubber.) 

Also  claims  —  The  making  of  stereotype  moulds, 
and  plates  of  the  raw  uncured  gum,  combined  with 
the  pulverized  oxides  of  iron  and  antimony,  or  other 
equivalents. 

Seventy-first,  to  Richard  Solis,  of  New  Brunswick, 
N.  J.,  February,  1853.  For  India-rubber.  I  claim 
the  manufacture  of  India-rubber  fabrics  by  the  mix- 
ture of  ground  or  powdered  vulcanized  rubber,  with 
the  ordinary  India-rubber  of  commerce. 

Seventy-second,  to  Charles  Goodyear,  New  York, 
April  12,  1853.  For  improvement  in  manufacturing 
articles  composed  of  gutta-percha. 

This  invention  consists  in  using  or  employing  sand, 
pulverized  soap-stone,  plaster,  or  some  simular  gran- 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


253 


ular  or  pulverized  or  porous  matter,  or  moulds  made 
of  porous  substances,  to  sustain  and  keep  the  form  ot 
moulded  or  modelled  article  composed  of  caoutchouc 
or  its  compounds,  and  other  gums,  during  the  process 
of  vulcanization,  in  proper  shape  and  form.  The 
caoutchouc  or  other  gums  are  taken  in  a  green  state, 
and  formed  into  the  exact  shapes  desired,  then  cov- 
ered with  pulverized  soapstone,  or  other  simular 
granular  or  adhesive  powder ;  they  are  placed  in  a 
box  and  heated  to  200°  or  300°  Fahrenheit,  from 
three  to  seven  hours  when  the  articles  are  vulcan- 
ized. 

Seventy-third,  to  Charles  Goodyear,  and  Robert 
Haering,  of  New  Haven,  Conn.,  April  12,  1853. 
(Assigners  to  Charles  Goodyear.)  Patented  in  Eng- 
land, March  4,  1851.  For  manufacturing  India-rub- 
ber and  gutta-percha. 

The  art  or  method  of  manufacturing  articles  com- 
posed in  part  of  caoutchouc,  or  other  gums,  suscepti- 
ble of  vulcanization,  by  heating  or  vulcanizing  the 
same,  when  surrounded  with  and  pressed  upon,  exter- 
nally or  internally  by  or  moulded  in  pulverized  soap- 
stone,  sand,  plaster,  or  other  similar  granular,  pulver- 
ized or  porous  matter,  or  in  moulds  of  plaster  or 
other  porous  substance,  as  described. 

Seventy-fourth,  to  John  L.  Kingsley,  New  York, 
June  14,  1853.  For  improvement  in  moulding  gut- 
tapercha Stereotype  Plates. 

The  nature  of  this  invention  consists  in  making 
moulds  for  stereotyping  of  India-rubber,  or  gutta- 
percha, by  mixing  the  gums  with  the  metallic  or 


254 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


earthy  substances,  and  by  expelling  all  air  from  the 
mould  while  it  is  being  filled,  to  render  the  cast  in 
all  respects  perfect.  (The  process  would  require  too 
lengthy  a  description  for  this  report.)  The  '"claim  " 
is  the  process  of  expelling  air  from  the  surface  of 
the  type  when  forming  the  mould,  and  from  the  sur- 
face of  the  mould  when  forming  the  plate.  Also 
the  method  of  dressing,  levelling,  or  thickening  the 
moulds  and  plates,  when  made  of  any  compounds 
that  run,  so  that  all  plates  made  shall  be  invariably 
of  the  same  thickness. 

Seventy-fifth,  to  Lenardo  Westbrook,  of  New  York 
City,  July  19,  1853.  For  Gutta-percha  Stereotype 
Composition.  An  improvement  on  the  patent  of 
Josiah  Warren,  dated  April  25,  1846,  first,  the  com- 
pound described,  of  shellac,  plumbago  or  graphite, 
asphaltum  and  gutta-percha,  treated  by  sulphate  of 
copper  and  water,  as  described,  as  a  substitute  for 
type  metal. 

Seventy-sixth,  to  H.  L.  Novis,  (Assigner  to  S.  T. 
Armstrong)  New  York  City,  July  26, 1853.  Patented 
in  England,  February  24, 1853,  and  in  France,  March 
13,  1853.  For  preserving  India-rubber  in  the  liquid 
state. 

Mr.  Novis  claims  the  compound,  consisting  of 
the  native  juice  of  the  caoutchouc,  with  aqua  ammo- 
nia or  the  equivalent  thereof,  as  set  forth,  when  said 
ammonia  or  its  equivalent  is  mixed  with  said  juice  of 
the  caoutchouc  in  a  liquid  state,  by  means  of  which, 
the  juice  above  named  is  preserved  for  a  great  length 
of  time,  and  can  be  manufactured  at  less  expense 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


255 


than  the  India-rubber  of  commerce,  which  is  mixed 
with  other  foreign  substances. 

And  I  also  claim  the  solid  elastic  article  when 
manufactured  from  the  said  composition  of  matter  as 
described. 

Seventy-seventh,  to  John  Chilcott,  and  Robert 
Snell,  New  York,  September  13,  1853.  For  im- 
provement in  the  manufacture  of  Boots  and  Shoes. 

The  sole  is  made  of  three  parts,  viz.,  the  India- 
rubber  sole,  a  leather  lining,  and  a  leather  border,  or 
edge.  The  India-rubber  sole  is  made  smaller  than 
the  sole  it  is  intended  to  cover,  and  its  edges  are 
bevelled  off  thin  all  around ;  the  leather  lining  is  of 
the  full  size  of  the  bottom  of  the  boot  or  shoe,  and 
united  to  the  upper  side  of  the  India-rubber  sole  by 
water-proof  adhesive  material,  leaving  a  margin  of 
the  lining  all  around  the  edge  of  the  India-rubber 
sole  ;  the  leather  border  or  edge  is  of  the  same  thick- 
ness as  the  India-rubber  sole,  and  overlaps  the  bev- 
elled portion  of  it,  and  is  also  bevelled  so  thin  that 
its  outer  face  will  be  level  with  the  outer  face  of  the 
India-rubber.  A  solid  sole  is  thus  made  of  uniform 
thickness,  which  may  be  secured  to  a  boot  or  shoe, 
by  sewing,  cementing-,  or  pegging. 

Claim  connecting  the  whole  or  any  portion  of  the 
sole  of  a  boot  or  shoe,  substantially  as  described,  of 
India-rubber,  with  its  inside  or  edges  covered  and 
protected  by  leather,  which  is  united  with  it  by  any 
water-proof  cement,  with  or  without  stitching,  and 
forms  a  hard,  firm  leather  edge. 


256 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


Seventy-eighth,  to  Charles  Goodyear,  New  York, 
October  11,  1853.  For  improvement  in  coating  met- 
als with  gutta-percha. 

The  nature  of  this  invention  consists  in  the  appli- 
cation of  "  caoutchouc  or  gutta-percha  "  when  mixed 
with  pulverized  sulphur  (six  or  eight  ounces  of  sul- 
phur to  one  pound  of  gum)  to  the  surface  of  metal. 
The  article  covered  is  subjected  to  a  high  degree  of 
heat,  from  260°  to  300Q  Fahrenheit,  from  three  to 
seven  hours.  The  hard  compound  covering  may 
then  be  polished  and  varnished. 

Claim. —  The  art  or  method  of  coating  articles 
composed  wholly  or  in  part  of  metal  with  compound 
of  India-rubber  or  gutta-percha,  and  subjecting  the 
same  to  a  high  degree  of  artificial  heat,  or  the  pro- 
cess of  vulcanization,  substantially  as  specified. 

Seventy-ninth,  to  L.  Otto  P.  Meyer,  Newton,  Conn., 
December  20,  1853.  For  improvement  in  the  manu- 
facture of  caoutchouc  or  other  vulcanizablc  gums. 

The  nature  of  this  invention  consists  in  producing 
by  means  of  oil  and  other  fatty  substances,  smooth 
and  glassy  surfaces  upon  the  material  commonly 
known  as  hard  compound  of  vulcanized  caoutchouc, 
or  gutta-percha,  or  other  similar  gums,  which  may 
be  manufactured  according  to  the  process  described 
in  letters  patent  granted  to  Charles  Goodyear,  May 
6,  1851. 

Claim. — The  producing  smooth  and  glassy  surfaces 
upon  hard  compounds  of  caoutchouc  and  other  vul- 
canizable  gums,  by  means  of  the  use  of  oil,  or  other 
equivalent  substances,  applied  to  the  surface  of  the 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


257 


prepared  gum,  and  between  the  gum  and  the  plates 
or  the  moulds. 

Eightieth,  to  William  E.  Rider  and  John  Murphy, 
of  New  York.  For  improvement  in  sulphurizing  gut- 
ta-percha and  like  gums.  Patented  November  7, 
1854.  The  improvement  consists  in  the  removal  of 
superfluous  sulphur  from  India-rubber  or  gutta-per- 
cha, when  it  has  been  vulcanized  or  is  in  the  act  of 
being  vulcanized,  by  filling  the  vulcanizing  oven  with 
hydrogen  gas  during  the  heating  process,  called  the 
curing,  and  allowing  the  gas  to  escape  as  fast  as  it  be- 
comes neutralized  ;  by  which,  as  the  inventor  alleges, 
the  after  accumulation  of  sulphur  upon  the  surface  of 
said  gums,  is  prevented,  and  consequently  the  neces- 
sity of  boiling  them  in  caustic  alkali,  entirely  avoid- 
ed. 

Claim.  —  The  claim  covers  the  whole  ground,  sub- 
stantially as  set  forth.    No  illustration. 

Eighty-first,  to  George  Reynolds.  For  improve- 
ment in  composition  for  tanning.  Patented  Dec.  19, 
1854.  Twenty  hides  with  the  hair  on,  are  steeped  for 
six  weeks,  in  the  following  solution,  viz  :  1  bushel  of 
muriate  of  soda,  1  bushel  of  alum,  and  6  pounds  of 
sulphuric  acid,  diluted  with  three  hogshead  of  water. 
The  hides  are  to  be  beamed,  and  when  steeped  as  stat- 
ed, they  are  removed  and  dried,  and  then  stuffed,  or 
rubbed  with  tallow  or  oil,  according  to  circumstances. 
But  the  hides  are  not  steeped  in  tanning  liquor  till 
finished  They  are  calculated  to  be  used  for  mocas- 
sins, <fcc,  with  the  hair  next  the  person. 

Claim.  —  The  claim  is  confined  to  the  composition 
stated. 


258 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


Eighty-second,  to  Edward  Brown.  For  improve- 
ment in  porous  elastic  cloth  for  gaiters.  Patented 
Sept.  26,  1854.  This  improvement  consists  in  ce- 
menting between  two  pieces  of  stocking  fabric,  strips 
of  India-rubber,  or  a  sheet  of  India-rubber  previously 
perforated,  for  the  purpose  of  furnishing  a  material 
pervious  to  moisture. 

Claim.  —  The  above  described  elastic  fabric,  the 
India-rubber  being  confined  between  two  thicknesses 
of  stocking-work,  in  the  manner  and  for  the  purpose 
set  forth. 

Eighty-third,  to  Elias  C.  Hyatt  and  Christopher 
Meyer,  of  Milltown,  N.  J.  For  improvement  in  the 
manufacture  of  boot  and  shoe-soles  of  gutta-percha  or 
India-rubber.  Patented  January  17, 1854.  The  ma- 
terial, in  its  plastic  state,  is  passed  between  two  roll- 
ers, marked  1  and  2  in  the  engraving,  so  as  to  form  a 
continuous  sheet  of  various  thicknesses  in  its  different 
parts,  suitable  for  the  heel,  the  shank,  and  the  toe. 
The  external  surface  of  the  sole  is  formed  by  No.  2  — 
a  being  a  corrugated  surface  for  the  toe  parts,  c  for 
the  heel  part,  and  b  a  smooth  surface  for  the  shank 
part.  After  the  continuous  sheet  has  been  formed 
between  the  rollers,  it  is  cut  up  into  pieces  of  suitable 
width  for  soles. 

The  inventors  say  :  "  We  are  aware  that  India- 
rubber  has  long  since  been  reduced  to  sheets  by  roll- 
ing, and  that  the  rollers  used  for  this  purpose  have 
sometimes  been  engraved  to  produce  a  figured  sur- 
face, analogous  to  that  often  connected  to  the  heels 
and  fore  parts  of  shoes  ;  but  these  sheets  have  been 
substantially  of  uniform  thickness,  varying  only  in  the 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


259 


slight  indentations,  &c,  required  to  produce  an  orna- 
mental or  figured  surface.  This  we  do  not  claim. 
But  we  are  not  aware  that  India-rubber  has  ever  been 
rolled  into  sheets  having  a  substantial  variety  of 
thickness  in  its  different  parts.  Nor  are  we  aware 
that  shoe-soles,  having  the  proper  variety  of  thickness, 
have  ever  been  rolled  out,  or  made  in  one  solid  piece, 
before  our  invention  ;  nor  was  it  known  that  such 
forms  could  be  produced,  as  we  have  produced  them, 
in  India-rubber,  until  our  experiments  practically  il- 
lustrated the  fact. 

What  we  claim,  therefore,  as  our  invention,  and  de- 
sire to  secure  by  letters  patent,  is  — 

1st.  Producing  a  shoe-sole,  or  other  analogous 
.  manufacture,  in  India-rubber  or  gutta-percha,  in  one 
piece,  having  a  variety  of  thicknesses  in  its  different 
parts,  by  the  use  of  rollers  whose  surfaces  present 
the  reverse  of  the  forms  to  be  produced,  at  a  single 
operation,  substantially  as  herein  described. 

2d.  Forming  soling  of  India-rubber  or  gutta-per- 
cha, with  shanks,  fore-parts,,  and  heels  of  appropriat- 
ed differences  of  thickness  in  one  solid  piece,  at  one 
operation,  as  described  —  thus  producing  a  useful, 
economical,  and  novel  manufacture. 

3d.  Also,  forming  such  solings,  or  analogous  man- 
ufacture, in  continuous  sheets,  at  one  operation,  by 
rolling,  as  described. 

Eighty-fourth,  to  Charles  Goodyear,  of  New  Haven, 
Conn.  For  improvement  in  treating  vulcanizable 
gums.  Patented  April  4,  1854.  The  improvement 
and  claims  consist  in  the  method  of  manufacturing 


260 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


compounds  of  caoutchouc,  gutta  percha,  and  other 
gums  susceptible  of  vulcanization,  in  sheets,  by  cov- 
oring  the  surface  or  surfaces  of  the  sheets  of  gum  with 
sheets  of  paper  or  cloth,  or  the  equivalent  thereof, 
and  then  confining  the  same  during  the  process  of 
vulcanization,  by  pressure  between  plates  of  metal  or 
their  equivalents,  or  otherwise,  substantially  as  de- 
scribed.   No  illustration. 

Eighty-fifth,  to  Julius  Herriet,  October  24, 1854. 
For  improvement  in  gutta-percha  Stereotype  Com- 
position. 

Equal  parts,  by  weight,  of  gutta-percha  or  caout- 
chouc, and  pulverized  graphite,  or  soapstone,  or 
plaster  of  Paris,  or  chloride  of  lime,  or  peroxide  of 
manganese,  or  ^ther  equivalent,  are  mixed  together, 
heated,  and  moulded  while  hot.  The  proportions 
may  be  varied  to  suit  the  desired  softness  or  tough- 
ness of  the  mass.  The  alleged  qualities  of  the  com- 
position are  plasticity,  sufficient  hardness  to  present 
sharp-angle  lines  and  yet  to  resist  pressure,  aptness 
to  be  remoulded,  and  cheapness. 

Claim. — The  making  of  moulds  and  plates,  for 
printing  characters  or  figures,  of  gutta-percha  or 
India-rubber,  compounded  with  some  other  substance, 
substantially  such,  and  for  the  purposes  as  described. 

Eighty-sixth,  to  Henry  Forstrick,  Hoboken,  N.  J. 
For  working  over  vulcanized  India-rubber. 

I  claim  the  manner  of  extracting  unorganic  matter 
from  vulcanized  India-rubber,  gutta-percha,  and 
other  gums  or  their  compounds,  by  the  application 
of  diluted  nitric  acid  and  the  use  of  fusel  oil  (grain 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


261 


oil)  either  in  a  heated  state,  mixed  with  the  gum, 
or  in  the  shape  of  vapors,  for  the  restoration  of  the 
cleansed  gums  to  the  state  of  cohesion.  • 

Eighty-seventh,  to  L.  Otto  P.  Meyer,  February  28, 
1854.  For  improvement  in  vulcanizing  India-rubber 
and  other  gums. 

The  invention  or  claim  consists  in  the  heating  or 
curing  of  the  material  commonly  known  as  the  hard 
compound  of  vulcanized  caoutchouc,  or  other  vul- 
canizable  gums,  by  means  of  the  immersion  of  the 
material  in,  or  under  water,  or  other  suitable  liquid, 
heated  to  about  800p  Fall.,  during  the  process  of 
curing. 

Eighty-eighth,  to  Ellsworth  D.  S.  Goodyear,  as- 
signor to  the  New  York  Rubber  Company,  March 
28, 185^.  For  improvement  in  processes  for  treating 
India-rubber. 

The  improvement  refers  to  the  manufacture  of 
hollow  articles  from  India-rubber,  and  consists  in 
filling  huch  ware,  as  balls,  &c,  to  a  certain  extent, 
with  water,  which  being,  during  the  process  of  vul- 
canization, converted  into  steam,  exercises  the  nec- 
esrary  imide  pressure  to  impart  any  desired  pattern 
to  the  exterior  face  of  the  article. 

Claim. — The  introduction  of  water  or  any  other 
liquid  into  the  interior  of  articles  which  require 
expansive  force  for  their  perfect  formation  against 
the  interior  surface  of  moulds,  said  liquid  to  be  con- 
verted into  steam,  substantially  as,  and  for  the  pur- 
poses, specified. 


202 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


Eighty-ninth,  to  L.  Otto  P.  Meyer,  April  4,  1854. 
For  improvement  in  treating  caoutchouc  and  other 
vulcanizable  gums. 

The  interposing  between  sheets  of  gum,  &c.,to  be 
cured,  sheets  of  flexible  material,  when  the  series 
of  sheets  thus  piled  are  confined  between .  plates  of 
iron  during  the  process  of  vulcanization,  being  dis- 
claimed, the  improvement  and  claim  are  restricted 
to  covering  the  surface  of  what  is  known  as  the  hard 
compound  of  caoutchouc  with  tin  foil,  or  other  equiv- 
alent substances,  to  preserve  the  form  previously 
given  by  embossing  or  moulding,  the  contact  of  the 
tin  foil  during  the  curing  process  having  the  effect 
to  preserve  the  form  and  the  surface  without  pressure 
or  moulds. 

Ninetieth,  to  Julias  A.  Pease,  November  14,  1854. 
For  improvement  in  over-shoes. 

The  claim  explains  the  character  of  this  invention, 
by  reference  to  the  accompanying  figure.  A.  repre- 
sents the  ribs,  and  B.  the  depressions  between  them. 

Claim. — Making  India-rubber  or  gum  shoes  with 
the  inner  surface  ribbed,  corrugated,  or  otherwise 
made  uneven,  for  the  purpose  of  allowing  a  circula- 
tion of  air  between  it  and  the  boot  or  shoe  over  which 
it  is  worn  ;  and  this,  whether  it  be  effected  in  the 
precise  manner  stated,  or  by  lining  the  shoe  with  a 
similar  ribbed,  corrugated,  or  otherwise  raised  and 
depressed  surfaced  fabric,  as  described. 

Ninety-first,  to  John  Murphy,  May  30,  1854.  For 
improvement  in  the  process  of  treating  gutta-percha. 
The  improvement  refers  to  the  process  of  re-heat- 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


263 


ing,  as  patented  to  John  Rider,  in  June,  1852,  and 
consists  in  mixing  two  ounces  of  sulphur  with  ten 
pounds  of  gutta-percha,  and  heating  the  latter  to 
about  285°  Fah.,  preparatory  to  the  regular  vulcan- 
ization ;  this  amount  of  sulphur,  although  not  enough 
to  vulcanize  the  gum,  being  alleged  to  serve  the  pur- 
pose of  expelling  certain  volatile  ingredients  prepara- 
tory thereto. 

Claim. — Incorporating  with  gutta-percha,  substan- 
tially, the  proportion  of  sulphur,  or  its  equivalent, 
herein  specified  ;  and  then  subjecting  it  to  such  a 
degree  of  heat,  and  for  such  a  length  of  time,  as  to 
expel  therefrom  its  injurious  volatilizable  ingredients, 
preparatory  to  vulcanizing  the  gutta-percha  thus 
treated,  or  of  using  it  in  the  condition  that  said 
process  of  treatment  puts  it  into. 

Ninety-second,  to  Daniel  Haywood,  August  29, 
1854.  For  improvement  in  the  manufacture  of 
India-rubber. 

The  improvement  consists  in  the  use  of  the  steam- 
jacket  both  for  the  mould  and  the  die  employed  in 
the  manufacture  of  India-rubber  goods,  and  in  the 
sudden  introduction  of  cold  water  after  the  hot  steam 
into  the  jackets.  By  the  first  device  the  vulcanizing 
of  new  articles  is  alleged  to  be  more  perfect,  and  the 
remelting  and  remoulding  of  old,  worn-out  India- 
rubber  to  be  rendered  attainable.  By  the  second 
device  the  degree  of  hardness  of  the  product,  or  its 
adhesiveness  on  the  surface,  can  be  moderated  at 
pleasure. 

The  drawings  exemplify  the  improvement  as  ap- 
plied to  manufacturing  buckets. 


264 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


Claim  . — The  claim  is  confined  to  remoulding  worn- 
out  India-rubber  goods,  by  the  means  stated. 

Ninety-third^  to  Henry  G.  Tyer  and  John  Helm. 
For  improvement  in  the  manufacture  of  boots  and 
shoes.  Patented  March  27, 1855.  The  object  of  this 
improvement  is  to  produce  a  boot  or  shoe  combining 
the  qualities  of  India-rubber  with  the  lightness  and 
elegance  attainable  by  the  use  of  other  materials,  and 
capable  of  being  re-soled  when  necessary. 

The  upper  a  and  in-sole  B  having  been  cemented 
together,  perforations  are  made  around  and  through 
the  upper  a,  until  the  cemented  surface  of  the  in-sole 
B  has  been  pierced.  Then  these  holes  are  filled  up 
with  cement,  and  the  outer  sole  c  properly  cemented, 
is  pressed  upon  the  in-sole.  If  sufficient  strength  be 
used,  slightly  to  separate  those  several  parts  of  the 
sole,  see  fig.  2,  the  rubber  filament  can  be  seen  In 
threads  H.  as  represented  in  fig.  2. 

The  inventors  say, —  we  disclaim  the  use  or  appli- 
cation of  this  our  device,  or  invention  to  any  other 
matter  or  thing  than  is  described,  and  set  forth.  We 
claim  the  uniting  of  the  outer  sole  and  upper,  manu- 
factured wholly  or  in  part  of  vulcanized  India-rubber, 
with  the  in-sole  of  boots  and  shoes,  by  means  of 
cement,  the  cement  passing  through  preparations 
made  for  that  purpose  in  the  upper,  in  the  manner 
substantially  and  for  the  purpose  described. 

Ninety -fourth)  to  John  M.  Wimley,  (Assignor  to 
J.  &.  B.  Shaw,  June  12,  1855.  An  improvement  in 
attaching  gutta-percha  soles  to  Boots  and  Shoes. 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


265 


The  molted  gutta-percha  is  filled  into  mould  A,  up 
to  the  rim  B,  and  the  shoe  placed  thereon  and  firmly 
pressed  down,  until  the  sides  of  the  shoe  come  in 
contact  all  around  with  the  rim  B.  The  gutta-percha 
is  forced  into,  and  through  the  holes  purposely  made, 
through  the  in-sole  and  edges  of  the  upper. 

The  inventor  says,  I  am  aware  that  India-rubber, 
after  being  cut  out,  and  shaped  like  a  sole,  has  been 
united  to  the  in-sole  and  upper,  by  means  of  an  inter- 
mediating cement,  caused  to  penetrate  holes  made  in 
the  in-sole  and  upper,  but  I  do  not  claim  this,  nor  do 
I  claim  uniting  gutta-percha  and  leather  for  any 
other  purpose  than  that  of  manufacturing  boots  and 
shoes  as  before  described.  But  I  claim  manufactur- 
ing, or  making  boots  and  shoes,  with  the  outer  sole 
made  entirely  of  gutta-percha,  when  the  said  outer 
soles  are  simultaneously  formed  and  united  to  the 
upper  and  in-sole,  by  means  of  heat  and  pressure  in  a 
mould  substantially  as  described  and  set  forth. 

Ninety-fifth,  to  S.  T.  Parmelee,  New  Brunswick, 
N.  J.,  July  17,  1855.  For  improvement  in  attaching 
metallic  heels  to  India-rubber  soles. 

The  India-rubber  is  vulcanized  after  having  been 
filled  within  the  metallic  casing.  It  could  not  be 
done  after  the  vulcanizing,  as  vulcanized  rubber 
cannot  be  rendered  sufficiently  soft.  The  inventor 
claims  having  the  metallic  rings  or  casings  formed 
with  recesses  arranged  in  any  proper  way,  so  that  the 
soft  or  elastic  India-rubber  mixed  with  the  proper 
vulcanizing  materials,  may  be  fitted  therein,  and  the 
rubber  and  rings  or  casings  be  permanently  locked 


266 


AMERICAN  PATENTS, 


together,  by  subjecting  the  rubber  to  steam  heat,  and 
vulcanizing  it  when  fitted  within  the  rims  or  casings 
for  the  purpose  as  set  forth. 

Ninety-sixth,  to  John  Arthur,  and  Evan  Arthur, 
New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  July  24,  1855.  For  improve- 
ment in  Machine  for  cutting  boot  and  shoe  uppers, 
soles,  &c,  from  sheets  of  India-rubber. 

After  describing  the  machine  the  patentees  set  forth 
the  following  as  their 

Claim. — 1st.  The  cutting  or  separation  of  India- 
rubber  by  placing  it  on  a  wet  cloth,  or  other  suitable 
moistened  surface,  and  submitting  it  to  the  pressure 
of  a  heated  die,  having  an  edge  of  the  form  of  the 
article  to  be  cut,  substantially  as  set  forth. 

2d.  The  combination  of  one  or  more  reciprocating 
die-frames,  each  carrying  a  set  of  dies  with  a  stove, 
and  with  carrying  and  pressing  apparatus,  to  carry 
the  sheet  or  piece  of  rubber,  so  that  the  dies  by  their 
reciprocating  movement,  may  be  carried  into  the 
stove  to  be  heated,  and  then  return  to  cut  or  stamp 
out  the  pattern  or  article  from  the  piece  as  set  forth. 

3d.  The  method  of  raising  the  die-frames  to  carry 
the  dies  on  their  return  movement  towards  the  stove. 
Providing  pins  for  the  ends  of  the  die-frames  to  strike 
against,  to  throw  up  the  opposite  ends  carrying  the 
dies. 

4th.  The  swinging  frame  with  its  fingers,  arranged 
and  operating  to  conduct  the  points  or  ends  of  the 
patterns,  as  soon  as  they  are  cut  or  separated  between 
the  roller  upon  which  the  cutting  is  performed,  and 
another  roller  by  which  they  are  at  once  prevented 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


267 


curling  it,  and  are  conveyed  along  towards  where 
they  are  delivered  from  the  machines. 

Ninety-seventh,  to  Edwin  B.  Larchar,  Baltimore, 
Md.,  July  24,  1855.  For  improvement  in  making 
gutta-percha  boats. 

Claim. — The  method  of  making  a  safety  boat  or 
other  vessels  of  gutta-percha  mixed  glue,  so  that  the 
air  chambers  or  other  parts,  if  separately  formed,  may 
together  with  the  boat  body,  be  so  united  and  com- 
pleted at  one  pressure,  that  if  the  braces,  thwarts, 
knees,  supporters,  or  other  accessories  to  the  boat 
proper,  are  solid,  the  whole,  with  the  inner  and  outer 
forms,  may  be  made  or  completed  together  at  one 
time,  and  at  one  pressure,  as  described. 

Ninety-eighth,  to  William  F.  Converse,  Harrison, 
Ohio,  April  17,  1855.  For  improvement  in  India- 
rubber  springs. 

Ninety-ninth,  to  Sigismund  Beer,  assignor  to  Lewis 
Feuchtuanger,  and  Sigismund  Beer,  New  York,  May 
29,  1855.  For  improvement  in  de-vulcanizing  India- 
rubber. 

Claim. — The  restoration  of  caoutchouc,  gutta-per- 
cha or  other  similar  gums,  which  have  undergone 
the  process  of  being  cured  or  vulcanized,  so  that  tliose 
gums  may  be  capable  of  being  used  again  as  a  substi- 
tute for  native  gums,  may  be  capable  of  being  used 
again  as  a  substitute  for  native  gums  of  like  charac- 
ter, or  in  combination  with  such  gums,  by  first  treat- 
ing the  vulcanized  gum  with  alkalies,  or  compounds 
of  alkalies  and  oils,  as  potash  with  any  common  grease 
or  oil,  for  extracting  the  sulphur,  &c,  and  then  sub- 


268 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


mitting  the  mass  to  heat  and  turpentine,  or  any 
other  liquid  known  to  be  a  solvent  of  the  gum  in  its 
natural  condition. 

One  hundredth,  to  Francis  Baschnagel,  New  York, 
Aug.  14,  1855.  For  improvement  in  compositions  for 
treating  rubber  and  gutta-percha. 

Claim, — The  conversion  or  restoration  of  caout- 
chouc or  gutta-percha,  whether  they  have  been  vul- 
canized or  not,  into  a  soft,  plastic,  and  workable  state, 
(by  a  new  combination  of  chemical  agents)  so  that 
they  may  be  re-manufactured  in  a  state  already  vul- 
canized or  not,  according  as  the  substance  converted 
or  restored  had  or  had  not  been  vulcanized ;  the 
substances  which  I  use  for  this  purpose  being  bi- 
sulphuret  of  carbon  in  conjunction  with  alcohol  ab- 
solute, and  not  common  alcohol,  without  the  addition 
of  any  other  chemical  agent,*  and  without  the  appli- 
cation of  heat. 

One  hundred  and  first,  to  James  West,  October  30, 
1855.    For  improvement  in  roofing  compositions. 

The  proportions  are  :  Sixteen  ounces  naptha,  half 
an  ounce  of  India-rubber,  half  an  ounce  of  shellac, 
and  half  an  ounce  of  gutta-percha  dissolved  in  lin- 
seed oil,  gum  shellac  dissolved  in  alcohol,  two  ounces 
"  puzzolan  "  (composed  of  pulverized  glass,)  quick 
lime  pulverized  and  sifted,  and  two  ounces  of  smalt. 

Claim. — The  use  of  lime  in  combination  with  the 
rubber,  gutta-percha,  and  shellac  solutions  in  the 
composition,  as  set  forth. 

The  solution  of  rubber,  gum-shellac,  gutta-percha, 
and  the  naptha,  are  to  be  warmed  to  blood  heat,  then 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


269 


the  "  puzzolan  "  to  be  mixed  therewith,  and  imme- 
diately to  be  applied  to  the  roof  and  rubbed  smooth  ; 
then  the  smalt  is  to  be  sifted  on. 

One  hundred  and  second,  to  Charles  Rice  and 
Sylvanus  H.  Whorf,  Nov.  13,  1855.  For  improve- 
ment in  lasting  and  applying  soles  to  shoes. 

The  sole  and  the  upper  are  first  placed  together 
upon  a  last  A,  the  upper  being  made  to  overlap  the 
outer  surface  of  the  in-sole,  and  affixed  thereto  by 
cement.  The  whole  being  thus  prepared,  is  next 
placed  within  the  clamping  bed,  B,  and  the  parts  of 
the  latter  closed  ;  next  the  platten  of  the  press  is  to 
be  depressed,  so  as  to  carry  the  punches. 

Claim. — The  holding  clamp,  B,  and  last,  A,  as 
used  together,  and  in  connection  with  the  pressing 
or  punching  mechanism,  or  both,  for  the  purpose  of 
fixing  soles  to  shoes  by  cement,  substantially  as  set 
forth. 

One  hundred  and  third,  to  Charles  Rice  and  Syl- 
vanus H.  Whorf,  Nov.  20,  1855.  For  improved 
machine  for  preparing  leather  for  the  manufacture 
of  boots  and  shoes. 

Claim. — The  above  described  mechanism,  or  ma- 
chine, for  preparing  leather  for  the  manufacture  of 
boots  and  shoes,  the  whole  being  arranged  and  made 
to  operate,  substantially  in  the  manner,  and  for  the 
purpose  set  forth. 

One  hundred  and  fourth,  to  H.  G.  Tyer  and  John 
Helm,  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  Jan.  2,  1855.  For 
improvement  in  processes  for  making  India-rubber 
cloth. 


270 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


This  improvement  consists  in  subjecting  the  cloth, 
which  has  been  previously  coated  with  a  layer  of 
India-rubber,  suddenly  to  a  degree  of  heat  from  140° 
to  180°  Fah.  By  this  sudden  application  of  heat 
while  the  goods  are  still  in  a  green,  undried  state, 
the  camphene  used  in  the  cement  evaporating  very 
rapidly,  and  leaves  the  gum  punctured  witli  minute 
orifices,  which  are  too  small  to  allow  the  passage  of 
globules  of  water  through  them,  but  are  large  enough 
for  the  passage  of  air  through  them. 

Claim. — The  peculiar  mode,  so  described,  of  pre- 
paring the  uppers  of  boots  and  shoes. 

One  hundred  and  fifth,  to  Charles  Morey,  citizen  of 
the  United  States,  residing  at  Paris,  France,  Jan.  9, 
1855.  For  improvement  in  re-working  hard  rubber 
compounds. 

The  material  is  placed  in  an  iron  mould  closed  and 
subjected  to  a  powerful  pressure.  It  is  then  placed 
between  two  red-hot  iron  plates,  and  thus  again 
introduced  into  the  press.  When  the  mould  is 
sufficiently  hot,  it  is  put  into  cold  water  until  it  has 
become  cool.  The  soldering,  after,  the  article  is  taken 
from  the  mould,  is  performed  in  the  following  man- 
ner :  The  broken  parts  are  scraped  off ;  dust  of  hard 
vulcanized  India-rubber  is  introduced  between  the 
scraped  parts ;  the  whole  is  submitted  to  a  high 
degree  of  heat  and  pressure,  whereby  the  broken 
parts  are  united  in  a  perfect  manner. 

Claim  1st. — Forming  or  moulding  scrapings,  fil- 
ings, dust,  powder,  or  sheets  of  hard  vulcanized 
India-rubber,  into  a  compact,  solid  mass,  by  means 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


271 


of  a  high  degree  of  heat  and  pressure,  as  above  de- 
scribed. 

Second. — The  application  of  dust  powder,  filings 
of  hard  vulcanized  India-rubber  for  soldering  or 
uniting  hard  vulcanized  India-rubber. 

One  hundred  and  sixth,  to  Henry  G.  Tver  and 
John  Helm,  Jan.  30.  1855.  For  improvement  in 
processes  for  making  India-rubber  cloth. 

The  India-rubber  compound,  (in  a  plastic  state) 
is  introduced  at  C,  between  cylinders  1  and  2,  as  it 
passes  between  the  said  cylinders,  and  adhering  to 
cylinder  2,  is  carried  round  and  down  until  it  comes 
nearly  in  contact  with  cylinder  3,  when  the  end  of 
roll  of  cloth  A  is  inserted  between  cylinders  2  and  3, 
and  the  compound  is  pressed  upon  and  into  the  cloth 
by  the  action  of  the  cylinders.  When  the  cloth  and 
compound  thus  united  on  one  side  have  passed 
round  cylinder  3  until  they  have  have  become  nearly 
in  contact  with  cylinder  4,  the  end  of  the  cloth  from 
roller  B  is  inserted  between  cylinders  3  and  4  so  as 
to  come  in  contact  with  the  compound  on  cloth  A. 
The  two  pieces  of  cloth,  with  the  compound  between 
them,  then  pass  between  cylinders  3  and  4,  when  the 
two  pieces  of  cloth  become  firmly  united  with  the 
compound. 1 

Claim. — The  process  described  of  making  elastic 
fabrics  without  a  previous  preparation  of  threads, 
strips,  or  sheets,  or  the  coating  of  the  cloth  by  ce- 
ment. 

One  hundred  and  seventh,  to  Sylvanus  H.  Whorf, 
assignor  to  himself  and  Charles  Rice,  Jan.  8,  1856. 


272 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


For  improvement  in  the  manufacture  of  boots  and 
shoes. 

The  inventor  says:  "  I  do  not  claim  uniting  the 
sole  to  the  upper  by  means  of  cement,  made  to  ex- 
tend through  the  upper  alone,  but  what  I  do  claim 
as  my  improvement,  is  the  manufacture  of  a  shoe  by 
cementing  its  sole  and  upper  in  extending  the  cement 
not  only  through  perforations  in  the  upper,  but  in 
and  through  the  perforations  made  in  and  through 
the  in-sole  or  the  outer  sole,  or  both,  the  same  pre- 
senting great  advantages,  not  only  in  securing  the 
parts  together,  but  in  rendering  them  water-proof 
when  the  cement  employed  is  of  a  character  to  resist 
water. 

One  hundred  and  eighth,  to  G.  Tyer  and  John 
Helm,  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  Jan.  9,  1856.  For 
improvement  in  making  gum-elastic  cloth. 

Claim. — An  elastic  fabric  composed  of* pieces 
of  cloth  either  woven  with  the  threads  of  the  weft 
in  a  diagonal  position  to  the  threads  of  the  warp  or 
of  common  cloth  stretched  so  as  to  force  the  threads 
into  such  relative  diagonal  position,  combined  and 
caused  to  adhere  together,  exclusively  by  vulcanized 
compound  of  India-rubber  or  gutta-percha,  the  two 
pieces  of  cloth  being  first  united  by  the  vulcanizable 
compound  and  the  compound  being  vulcanized  after 
the  union. 

One  hundred  and  ninth,  to  Sylvanus  H.  Whorf  and 
Charles  Rice,  March  4.  1856.  For  improvement  in 
the  application  of  soles  to  boots  and  shoes,  by  means 
of  pressure,  and  gutta-percha  or  other  cement. 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


273 


The  nature  of  this  invention  will  be  understood 
by  reference  to  the  claim.  The  machine  for  pressing 
the  sole  to  the  upper  is  illustrated  in  the  engraving, 
where  H  represents  a  hollow  last,  into  which  steam 
can  be  introduced  by  means  of  pipe  I ;  and  the  sole 
can  be  pressed  to  the  upper  by  means  of  the  pressing 
apparatus  and  the  platten  C. 

Claim. — We  are  aware  that  a  gutta-percha  sole 
has  been  applied  to  a  shoe  by  melting  gutta-percha 
in  a  mould  and  subsequently  pressing  the  shoe  there- 
in. We,  therefore,  do  not  claim  such.  We  are  also 
aware  that  in  book-binders'  presses,  and  in  smoothing 
irons,  the  platten  of  the  one,  and  the  body  of  the 
other,  have  been  provided  with  an  air-chamber  for 
the  reception  of  either  steam  or  heated  air,  or  other 
means  of  heating.  We,  therefore,  do  not  claim 
such.  As  we  use  heat  not  for  either  drying  or 
smoothing  alone,  but  for  a  different  purpose,  and  in 
a  process  of  manufacture  wherein  it  has  not  been 
before  applied,  to  our  knowledge,  in  the  way  in 
which  we  employ  it,  being  used  by  us  for  softening 
or  melting  gutta-percha,  after  it  has  been  applied  to 
a  last,  as  specified ;  and  therefore  we  claim  our  im- 
provement in  the  process  of  manufacturing  and  finish- 
ing shoes  with  either  gutta-percha  soles,  or  soles 
formed  of  leather  or  other  material,  and  united  to 
the  upper  and  in-sole  by  means  of  gutta-percha  or 
its  equivalent,  and  through  the  agency  of  pressing 
mechanism,  as  specified,  our  improvement  consisting 
in  supplying  heat  within  a  last  by  means  of  a  cham- 
ber and  pipe  and  steam  or  means  of  heating  said  last, 
the  same  not  only  enabling  the  gutta-percha  of  the 
12* 


274 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


sole  to  be  softened  or  rendered  adhesive  while  it  is 
being  pressed  upon  the  in-sole  and  upper,  but  also 
serving  to  smooth  and  finish  the  upper,  as  described. 

One  hundred  and  tenth,  to  Richard  McMullin, 
March  17,  1856.  For  improvement  in  processes  for 
making  elastic  rubber  cloth. 

Claim. — Rendering  vulcanized  India-rubber,  for 
the  manufacture  of  shirred  goods,  adhesive  by  boil- 
ing it  in  a  solution  of  potash,  to  remove  the  sulphur 
from  its  surface,  thus  fitting  the  sheet  of  rubber  to 
receive  a  coat  of  cement,  whereby  it  is  caused  to 
adhere  firmly  to  the  cloth,  or  other  fabric  between 
which  it  is  placed,  in  the  manner  and  for  the  pur- 
poses substantially  as  herein  set  forth. 

One  hundred  and  eleventh,  to  John  H.  Cheever, 
March  11,  1856.  For  improvement  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  India-rubber  belting  or  banding. 

One  hundred  and  tivelfth,  to  Charles  F.  Crockett, 
June  17,  1856.  For  improvement  in  making  sheets 
of  leather  from  curriers'  shavings  or  buffings. 

The  inventor  says  :  u  I  do  not  wish  to  confine  my- 
self to  any  particular  kind  of  cement,  although  I 
found  India-rubber  cement  to  answer  the  best  pur- 
pose. Curriers'  glass  is  a  good  instrument  to  press 
the  edges  together." 

Claim. — Making  sheets  of  leather  of  any  desired 
size  and  thickness  of  curriers'  shavings  or  buffings, 
by  lapping  and  cementing  them  together  while  in  a 
moist  state,  and  then  subjecting  the  mass  to  pressure. 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


275 


One  hundred  and  thirteenth,  to  Nathaniel  Hayward, 
Colchester,  Ct.,  April  15,  1856.  For  improvement 
in  the  manufacture  of  India-rubber. 

One  hundred  and  fourteenth,  to  Nathaniel  Hayward, 
Colchester,  Ct.,  May  6,  1856.  For  process  of  pre- 
paring elastic  India-rubber  cloth. 

Claim. — The  producing  an  elastic  fabric  of  uni- 
form strength  by  uniting  a  sheet  of  rubber  with 
sheets  of  cloth  thinly  coated  on  one  side  with  a  vul- 
canized compound  of  rubber ;  the  sheet  of  rubber 
before  it  is  united  with  the  sheets  of  cloth  being  in 
the  modes  set  forth  so  prepared  that  the  central  part 
of  it  is  completely  vulcanized,  while  the  surfaces  are 
not. 

One  hundred  and  fifteenth,  to  A.  D.  Puffer,  Som- 
erville,  Mass.,  May  20,  1856.  For  improvement  in 
lining  metal  pipes  with  gutta-percha. 

One  hundred  and  sixteenth,  to  James  Reynolds, 
New  York,  June  16,  1856.    For  improvement  in  - 
Mandrels  for  making  gutta-percha  tubing. 

One  hundred  and,  seventeenth,  to  Austin  G.  Day, 
Seymour,  Ct.,  June  10,  1856.  For  improvement  in 
cleaning  India-rubber. 

One  hundred  arid  eighteenth,  to  James  Reynolds, 
New  York,  June  10,  1856.  For  improvement  in 
feed  apparatus  for  working  gutta-percha. 

One  hundred  and  nineteenth,  to  James  Reynolds, 
New  York,  July  L9,  1856.  For  improvement  in 
gutta-percha  apparatus  for  covering  wire. 


276  AMERICAN  PATENTS. 

One  hundred  and  twentieth,  to  William  F.  Shaw, 
Boston,  Mass.,  August  12, 1856.  For  improvement 
in  treating  India-rubber. 

One  hundred  and  twenty-first^  to  Jacob  H.  Howell, 
Ansonia,  Ct.,  Oct.  21,  1856.  For  improvement  in 
making  India-rubber  hose. 

One  hundred  and  twenty-second,  to  Henry  For- 
strick,  Hoboken,  New  York,  Oct  28,  1856.    For  im- 
-  provement  in  working  over  vulcanized  India-rubber. 

One  hundred  and  tiventy-third,  to  Nathaniel  Hay- 
ward,  Nov.  4,  1856.  For  improved  catch  for  India- 
rubber  shoes. 

Claim. — The  use  of  a  steel  rubber  or  other  kind 
of  spring  catch  of  any  proper  shape,  in  the  heel  of 
an  India-rubber  over  shoe  or  clog,  having  a  projection 
or  lip  extending  out  horizontally  or  through  the  quar- 
ter as  specified,  whereby  the  over  shoe  is  prevented 
from  slipping  at  the  heel,  and  is  susceptible  of  being 
disengaged  from  thewunder  boot  or  shoe  without  using 
the  hands. 

One  hundred  and  twenty-fourth,  to  T.  Gault,  Sey- 
mour, Ct.,  Nov.  11,  1856.  For  process  of  cleaning 
India-rubber. 

One  hundred  and  twenty-fifth,  to  Henry  Davenport, 
New  York,  Dec.  23,  1856.  For  improvement  in 
machines  for  cutting  India-rubber  threads. 

One  hundred  and  twenty-sixth,  to  James  Rey- 
nolds, New  York,  Dec.  9,  1856.  For  mode  of  mak- 
ing gutta-percha  cord. 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


277 


One  hundred  and  twenty-seventh^  to  Charles  Good- 
year, of  New  Haven,  Conn.,  June  15, 1844.  Re-issued 
December  25,  1849,  in  two  separate  patents,  being 
Nos.  156  and  157  of  re-issued  Patents,  viz.  For  India- 
rubber  fabrics. 

No.  156.  Processes  for  the  manufacture  of 
India-rubber.  I  claim  the  curing  of  caoutchouc  or 
India-rubber  by  subjecting  it  to  the  action  of  a  high 
degree  of  artificial  heat,  substantially  as  described  and 
for  the  purpose  specified. 

And  I  also  claim  the  preparing  and  curing  the 
compound  of  India-rubber,  sulphur,  and  a  carbonate 
of  other  salt  or  oxyd  of  lead  by  subjecting  the  same 
to  the  action  of  artificial  heat,  substantially  as  de- 
scribed. 

No.  157.  Felting  India-rubber  with  Cotton  Fibre. 
I  claim  incorporating  the  fibres  of  cotton  or  other 
substance  with  India-rubber  by  preparing  the  fibres  of 
a  fleece  or  bat  of  cotton  or  other  fibrous  substance 
into  a  sheet  of  India-rubber  in  the  green  state,  without 
subjecting  the  fibres,  after  they  have  been  incorpo- 
rated to  a  stretching  or  drawing  operation,  substan- 
tially as  described. 

One  hundred  and  twenty-eighth,  to  James  Reynolds, 
of  New  York  City.  For  Machine  for  making  gutta- 
percha pipes  and  covering  telegraph  wires. 

This  invention  is  for  the  purpose  of  forming,  tubing, 
or  coating  wires  —  both  operations  being  substan- 
tially alike  —  by  forcing  the  gutta-percha,  while  ren- 
dered plastic  by  heat,  through  a  die.  The  necessary 
pressure  for  this  purpose  is  applied  by  a  piston  work- 


278 


AlffEItTCAN  PATENTS. 


ing  in  a  cylinder,  in  which  the  material  is  placed  and 
kept  heated,  or  by  other  suitable  forcing  apparatus. 

One  improvement,  consists  in  connecting  the  cylin- 
der with  an  air  pump,  or  other  suitable  exhausting 
apparatus,  whereby  any  air  remaining  in  the  said  cyl- 
inder after  it  has  been  filled  as  fall  as  possible  with 
gutta-percha  and  closed,  may  be  extracted  before 
applying  the  pressure.  The  manufactured  article  is 
thus  rendered  free  from  blow  holes,  and  is  perfectly 
firm.  This  is  a  result  of  great  importance  for  small 
•  tubing  and  the  covering  of  fine  wire. 

A  second  improvement  consists  in  arranging  the 
die  and  core  by  which  the  tube  is  produced  or  the 
covering  of  the  wire  performed,  in  a  position  transverse 
to  the  direction  in  which  the  piston  works  to  produce 
the  pressure,  to  allow  a  hollow  core  to  be  used  for 
the  admission  of  air  into  the  tube  as  fast  as  it  is  form- 
ed, and  also  to  prevent  it  from  collapsing  by  the  for- 
mation of  a  vacuum  within.  The  same  arrangement 
also  permits  the  passage  of  the  wire  through  the  die' 
when  it  is  being  covered  by  the  percha. 

A  third  improvement  consists  in  providing  the 
stomach  in  which  the  die  is  placed,  with  an  opening, 
to  allow  of  the  constant  escape  of  a  certain  quantity 
of  material  during  the  operation.  By  this  means  the 
quality  of  the  manufactured  article  is  rendered  more 
uniform.  Without  such  an  arrangement  it  is  almost 
impossible  to  produce  small  tubing  or  cover  fine  wire 
with  any  degree  of  uniformity  of  thickness. 

A  fourth  improvement  consists  in  the  employment 
of  a  continuously  revolving  trough  of  water,  suitably 
arranged  to  receive  the  tube  or  covered  wire  as  fast 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


279 


as  it  leaves  the  die,  and  coil  it  up  in  the  water  to  cool 
it,  to  prevent  the  coils  from  sticking*  together. 

One  hundred  and  twenty-ninth,  to  Thomas  C.  Wales, 
of  Dorchester,  Mass.,. February  2,  1858.  For  Water- 
proof Gaiter  Shoes  and  Boots. 

I  do  not  claim  the  vulcanizing  process,  nor  do  I 
claim  making  articles  of  cloth  cemented  together  with 
rubber  cement  and  afterwards  vulcanizing  them,  nor 
do  I  claim  making  shoes  partly  of  leather  and  partly  of 
cloth,  the  same  being  made  by  connecting  the  leather 
and  cloth  together  by  water  proof  caoutchouc  cement, 
as  such  when  made  partly  of  leather  cannot  be  vul- 
canized, owing  to  the  fact  that  the  great  heat  required 
in  the  vulcanizing  process,  injures  or  destroys  the 
leather. 

I  claim  a  new  or  improved  manufacture,  or  water- 
proof vulcanized  rubber  and  cloth  gaiter  shoe,  made 
in  manner  and  with  its  external  layer  of  cloth,  and  its 
lining  of  cloth  arranged  together,  and  with  respect  to 
the  remainder  or  rubber  parts  or  foxing,  substantially 
as  specified. 

One  hundred  and  thirtieth,  to  Edwin  M.  Chaffee,  of 
Providence,  R.  I.,  February  26,  1858.  For  India- 
rubber  Door  Mat. 

I  do  not  intend  to  confine  myself  to  the  lozenge 
cells,  as  it  is  obvious  that  square  and  some  other 
forms  will  do  as  well. 

^either  do  I  intend  to  confine  myself  to  ribs  or  ridges 
intersecting  each  other,  as  it  is  evident  that  ridges 
forming  various  figures  will  answer  much  the  same 
purpose,  such,  for  instance,  as  run  circular,  parallel, 


280 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


serpentine,  zig-zag  or  angular,  or  any  other  raised 
surface  of  rubber. 

Nor  do  I  confine  myself  to  rubber  alone  as  the  only 
gum,  as  gutta-percha,  and  other  gums  may  be  substi- 
tuted for  it. 

I  claim  the  mat  as  formed  by  ridges  or  grating, 
together  with  the  cells  or  spaces,  of  whatever  form, 
tke  one  to  serve  as  scrapers  to  clean  the  foot,  and  the 
other  to  contain  the  dirt,  whether  of  rubber,  gutta- 
percha, or  other  flexible  gums. 

(me  hundred  and  thirty-first,  to  Gustavus  Cappers, 
of  College  Point,  N.  Y.,  July  20, 1858.  For  manu- 
facture of  Hard  Rubber  Goods. 

I  wish  to  have  it  distinctly  understood  that  I  do 
not  claim  as  my  invention  the  heating  or  curing  pro- 
cess, as«it  is  called,  nor  the  combination  of  India-rub- 
ber and  gutta-percha  with  sulphur,  nor  any  other 
combination  already  patented  and  described. 

But  I  claim  the  improvement  in  "the  hardening  or 
curing  process  of  caoutchouc  or  India-rubber  and  of 
gutta-percha,  by  which  articles,  wares,  goods  and 
merchandize  may  be  manufactured  into  any  desired 
size,  form  or  shape,  substantially  as  described. 

One  hundred  and  thirty-second,  to  Abraham  Brower, 
of  New  York  City,  July,  1858.  For  Water-proof 
Cement. 

I  am  aware  that  water-proof  compositions  for  leather 
consisting  of  tallow,  suet,  wax,  rosin,  tar,  oil,  and 
India-rubber  have  been  employed;  these  I  do  not 
claim  of  themselves,  singly  or  combined. 

I  am  not  aware,  however,  of  shellac  or  glue  ever 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


281 


having  been  employed  in  unctuous  water-proof  com- 
positions for  leather;  but  these  I  do  not  claim  of 
themselves  in  my  composition,  apart  from  the  other 
ingredients,  as  all  are  required  combined,  to  render 
it  so  excellent  for  the  purposes  set  forth. 

What  I  claim  is,  the  composition  composed  of  all 
the  ingredients  described,  and  in  about  the  propor- 
tions for  the  purpose  set  forth,  the  same  constituting 
an  improved  new  and  useful  article  of  manufacture. 

By  a  judicious  compound  of  tallow,  beeswax,  resin, 
shellac  and  glue,  the  inventor  produces  a  very  supe- 
rior water-proof  composition,  the  leather  remains  soft 
and  pliable,  will  take  a  polish,  and  repel  water  very 
perfectly. 

One  hundred  and  thirty-third,  to  Austin  G.  Day,  of 
Seymour,  Conn.,  August  10,  1858.  For  treatment 
of  caoutchouc. 

I  do  not  claim  in  the  broad,  vulcanizing  rubber  or 
equivalent  gums,  and  irrespective  of  the  special  pro- 
cess used  and  product  made.    Therefore  — 

What  I  claim  is,  running  the  heat  for  vulcanizing 
elastic  hard  rubber  compounds  as  set  forth  through 
the  several  grades  of  temperature,  and  the  several 
intervals  of  time  described  and  illustrated  in  the  spec- 
ification. 

I  also  claim  making,  as  described,  the  elastic,  hard 
rubber  composition  of  two  parts  by  weight  of  rubber, 
and  one  part  of  sulphur,  when  such  composition  is 
made  preparatory  to  the  running  of  the  heat  through 
the  several  grades  of  time  and  temperature  as  set 
forth  in  the  specification. 


282 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


I  also  claim  equalizing  the  temperature  in  the  heat- 
ing apparatus  by  mechanical  means  or  by  a  current  of 
steam,  or  its  equivalent,  in  the  manner  set  forth. 

One  hundred  and  thirty-fourth,  to  Samuel  Whit- 
marsh,  of  Northampton,  Mass.  For  Composition  for 
Artificial  Leather. 

I  do  not  claim,  broadly,  the  saturation  of  cloth  and 
other  fabrics  in  linseed  oil  containing  umber  or  other 
substances. 

But  what  I  claim  is  the  fabric  specified,  composed 
of  cotton  or  other  fibrous  substance,  in  a  woven  or 
unwoven  condition,  saturated  or  coated  with  a  com- 
pound of  linseed  oil  and  burnt  umber  that  has  been 
prepared  as  described. 

Samuel  Whitmarsh,  of  Northampton,  Mass.,  has 
invented  a  new  fabric  which  is  intended  to  supply  the 
place  of  leather  in  many  of  its  applications.  The  fab- 
ric is  composed  of  cotton  or  other  fibrous  substances 
either  woven  into  cloth  or  in  an  unwoven  state,  and 
saturated  or  coated  with  a  compound  of  linseed  oil 
and  burnt  umber,  prepared  by  boiling  in  every  gallon 
of  oil  about  three  pounds  of  umber  in  a  powdered 
state,  for  such  a  length  of  time,  that  the  composition 
when  cool  will  roll  in  the  hands  without  sticking. 
The  fabric  may  be  made  in  forms  suitable  for  the 
soles  of  boots  and  shoes,  coverings  for  trunks,  gravel- 
ing bags,  cap  fronts,  or  as  a  substitute  for  carriage  or 
harness  leather,  or  for  machine  belting  or  hose  pipe. 

The  mode  of  producing  the  fabric  differs  to  some 
extent  according  to  the  use  for  which  it  is  designed, 
but  the  general  principles  are  in  all  cases  the  same. 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


283 


The  umber  is  stirred  into  the  boiled  oil  until  it  reaches 
the  point  desired,  when  it  is  ready  to  be  applied  in 
the  manner  best  calculated  to  produce  special  arti- 
cles. 

One  hundred  and  thirty-fifth,  to  0.  S.  Boyd  en,  and 
M.  C.  Fredericks,  of  Newark,  N.  J.  For  Composi- 
tion for  varnishing  leather. 

We  claim  the  employment  in  the  compounds  used 
in  the  manufacture  of  glazed,  japanned,  or  painted 
leather,  cloth,  silk,  and  paper  —  either  wholly  or  in 
part  as  a  substitute  for  camphene  or  spirits  of  turpen- 
tine —  of  a  paste  made  of  the  glutinous  properties  of 
flax  seed,  substantially  as  and  for  the  purposes  set 
forth.  ' 

The  compounds  commonly  employed  for  the  first, 
or  first  and  second  coats,  in  the  manufacture  of  glazed 
or  japanned  leather  or  cloth,  is  made  by  boiling  a 
certain  quantity  of  umber  in  linseed  oil,  and  adding 
a  quantity  of  lampblack  or  other  coloring  matter  with 
a  quantity  of  camphene  or  spirits  of  turpentine,  about 
equal  to  one  and  a  half  times  that  of  the  linseed  oil. 
O.  S.  Boyden,  and  M.  C.  Fredericks,  of  Newark,  N.  J. 
have  invented  an  improvement  on  the  above  composi- 
tion, which  consists  in  the  substitution  either  wholly 
or  in  part  for  the  camphene  or  spirits  of  turpentine 
in  the  compound,  of  a  paste  made  by  boiling  flax- 
seed, either  whole  or  after  the  oil  has  been  expressed, 
and  either  ground  into  meal  or  unground,  in  water 
till  its  glutinous  property  is  extracted.  The  use  of 
this  paste  as  a  substitute  for  camphene  and  spirits  of 
turpentine  not  only  reduces  the  cost  of  the  com- 


284 


AMERICAN  PATENTS. 


pound,  but  also  renders  the  goods  more  pliable,  and 
less  likely  to  crack. 

One  hundred  and  thirty-sixth ,  to  Francis  Baschna- 
gel,  of  Beverly,  Mass.,  assignor  to  the  Beverly  Rubber 
Company.    For  restoring  waste  vulcanized  rubber. 

I  claim  the  application  of  heat  from  150°  to  600° 
Fahrenheit,  to  waste  vulcanized  rubber  with  or  with- 
out immersing  it  in  cold  water  or  any  other  cooling 
fluid  as  specified  for  the  purpose  of  restoring  the 
same,  so  that  it  may  be  used  again  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  India-rubber  goods  and  substances,  hereby 
expressly  disclaiming  all  and  every  right  to  the  appli- 
cation of  artificial  heat  to  new  rubber,  vulcanized  or 
not  vulcanized,  and  to  the  application  of  heat  to  rub- 
ber in  any  manner  and  for  any  purpose  except  as 
above  set  forth. 

DESCRIPTIVE  INDEX  OF    CHEMICAL    PATENTS   ISSUED  BY 
THE  U.  S.  PATENT  OFFICE,  IN  1855-6. 

The  following  is  an  epitome  of  the  chemical  patents 
issued  by  the  United  States  in  1855-6.  It  was  pre- 
pared by  Dr.  Daniel  Breed,  of  the  U.  S.  Patent  office. 

India-rubber  Cloth. — Made  pervious  to  air  but  not 
to  water  by  sudden  drying  (of  fresh  cement)  at  160° 
Fahrenheit,  (evaporation  of  camphene  makes  the  gum 
porous)  :  H.  G.  Tyer,  and  John  Helm,  January  2. 

India-rubber  and  Gutta-percha. — Vulcanized  or  not, 
rendered  plastic  by  treatment  with  "  bisulphurate  " 
of  carbon  (?)  and  absolute  alcohol :  francis  Basch- 
nagel,  August  14. 


AMERICAN  PATFNTS. 


285 


India-rubber  Cloth.— Made  by  pressing  cloth  upon 
each  side  of  sheet-rubber  by  means  of  rollers :  H.  G. 
Tyer,  and  John  Helm,  January  30. 

India-rubber. — Scraps  and  powder  of  hard,  vulcan- 
ized, moulded  and  cemented  by  heat  and  pressure: 
Charles  Morey,  January  9.  / 

India-rubber,  Vulcanized. — Treated  with  alkalies 
and  oil  to  remove  sulphur :  Sigismund  Beer,  May 
29. 

India-rubber. — Crushed,  washed,  treated  with  pot- 
ash, or  soda,  in  vacuum,  and  washed  to  purify  :  A.  G. 
Day,  June  10. 

India-rubber  Sheet. — With  surfaces  not  vulcanized, 
united  to  cloth :  Nathaniel  Hayward,  May  6. 

India-rubber. — Surface  of  vulcanized  made  rough, 
then  coated  with  cement,  and  heated  to  235°  to  ren^ 
der  adhesive  :  Nathaniel  Hayward,  April  15. 

India-rubber. — Treatment  of  sulphured  rubber  with 
drying  oils  ;  or  common  rubber  with  sulphured  oils  : 
Win.  F.  Shaw,  August  12. 

India-rubber. — Treatment  of  vulcanized  with  nitric 
acid  and  fusel  oil,  to  purify  and  render  adhesive : 
Henry  Forstrick,  October  28. 

India-rubber. — Boiling  in  potash  to  remove  sulphur 
from  the  surface  of  vulcanized  and  render  adhesive  : 
Richard  McMullin,  March  18. 


BOOK  Y, 


CHAPTER  I. 
TANNING. 

Th|]  science  or  art  of  Tanning  is  the  process  by 
which  the  animal  hide  or  skin  is  converted  into 
leather,  thus  rendering  it  subservient  to  the  use  of 
man.  The  art  of  tanning  in  its  most  simple  form 
was  known  to  antiquity,  and  consisted  simply  in  the 
drying  and  cleansing  the  skins,  which  were  then 
converted  into  articles  of  clothing.  Thus  used,  they 
answered  but  a  temporary  purpose,  as  the  re-absorp- 
tion of  moisture  would  speedily  cause  them  to  decay. 
The  Egyptians  were  among  the  earliest  tanners  of 
whom  we  have  any  definite  account,  and  Thebes  was 
justly  celebrated  for  its  artificers  in  leather.  But 
unlike  most  of  the  arts  in  which  the  Egyptians  ex- 
celled, they  do  not  seem  to  have  reached  an  equal 
degree  of  skill  in  the  preparation  of  leather,  although 
it  was  wrought  by  them  into  tapestry,  and  made  to  sub- 
serve various  useful  purposes.  In  later  times  this  use- 
ful art  has  been  reduced  to  scientific  principles,  owing 
to  the  investigations  of  Sir  H.  Davy,  Sequin  Proust, 

2  8  6 


TANNING. 


287 


and  others.  Leather  considered  chemically  is  a 
compound  of  tannin  and  gelatine,  possessing  the 
qualities  of  durability,  pliability,  and  insolubility  in 
water. 

The  important  elements  in  the  manufacture  of 
leather  are,  first,  cleansing  and  softening  the  skins. 
Second,  the  depilation  or  removal  of  the  hair.  Lime 
is  principally  used  for  the  latter  purpose,  although 
any  agent  which  possesses  the  power  to  soften  or 
destroy  the  roots  of  the  hair,  and  facilitate  its  re- 
moval is  equally  desirable. 

The  process  of  depilation  with  lime  is  slow,  and 
tanners  have  yet  to  learn  that  practically  there  are 
other  chemical  processes  which  will  greatly  facilitate 
it.    Hydrosulphuret  of  calcium  is  recommended. 

The  great  secret  of  tanning  consists  in  so  preparing 
the  cuticle  or  porous  surface  of  the  hide  as  that  the 
gluey  or  gelatinous  tissue  shall  unite  with  the  tannin. 
This  is  produced  by  immersing  the  skins  in  an  in- 
fusion of  oak  bark,  or  other  substances  containing 
tannin.  Therefore  any  process  which  will  open 
the  pores  of  the  unhaired  skins  so  that  they  become 
light  and  spongy  and  thus  facilitate  the  union  of  the 
tannin  with  the  tissue  of  the  skin,  is  desirable.  The 
name  of  tan  takes  its  origin  from  a  coarsely  powder- 
ed bark,  which  contains  the  active  principle  in  the 
tanning  process.    The  component  is  called  tannin. 

To  Seguin,  a  celebrated  French  chemist,  the  dis- 
covery of  a  property  in  nut-galls  of  combining  with 
the  albumen  and  gelatine  of  skins,  thus  forming  an 
insoluble  and  unalterable  compound,  is  due.  This 
is  the  key  to  the  theory  of  tanning. 


288 


TANNTNG. 


Morfit's  definition  of  the  principle  is, "  to  saturate 
a  skin  with  tannin  in  such  a  manner  as  to  promote 
the  slow  combination  of  this  principle  with  the  gela- 
tine, albumen  and  fibrine  contained  in  the  former, 
so  as  to  form  with  them  a  new  compound.  This  re- 
action, in  the  operation  of  tanning,  does  not  proceed 
spontaneously,  but  is  the  result  of  a  slow  process, 
requiring  great  care  and  skilful  manipulation." 

Tannin  exists  in  the  bark  of  the  trunks  of  nearly 
all  perennial  trees,  and  especially  that  portion  of  the 
bark  next  to  the  fibre  and  sap  wood.  It  is  found  in 
the  leaves  of  trees  in  small  quantities.  The  oak-tree 
bark,  leaves  and  fruit,  contain  a  larger  amount  of 
tannin  than  any  other  tree  species  in  North  America. 
The  bark  is  usually  gathered  from  May  to  July,  as 
during  those  and  the  intervening  months  they  con- 
tain more  tannin  than  during  the  other  portions  of 
the  season.  There  are  various  kinds  of  oak  in  the 
United  States,  all  of  which  yield  a  large  amount  of 
tannin.  There  is  a  species  of  oak  which  grows  in 
Delaware,  Maryland  and  Virginia,  known  by  the 
name  of  Spanish  Oak,  which  is  superior  for  its  tannin 
properties.  The  rock-chestnut  oak,  the  black  and 
white  oaks,  and  Spanish  oak,  are  considered  the  most 
valuable,  and  are  used  almost  exclusively  by  the  man- 
ufacturers of  leather  in  the  United  States.  The 
wood  of  almost  every  tree,  the  bark  of  which  con- 
tains tannin,  is  also  useful  for  the  same  purpose. 
There  are  several  varieties  of  tannin.  The  pure 
tannin  and  the  impure  tannin  is  a  generic  term  for 
the  different  varieties.  It  was  a  long  time  before 
tannin  was  separated  in  a  pure  state.    It  is  so  inti- 


TANNING. 


289 


mately  combined  with  other  extractive  matter  that 
it  was  with  difficulty  separated. 

Chemists  give  us  four  varieties. 

Natural  tamiin,  comprising  several  species,  origina- 
ting from  the  different  proportions  of  extractive  and 
gallic  acids.  Also  three  kinds  of  artificial  tannin, 
obtained  by  the  action  of  nitric  acid  upon  charcoal ; 
also  upon  indigo  and  the  various  resins ;  also  that 
obtained  by  the  action  of  sulphuric  acid  upon  the 
resins  and  camphor. 

The  best  kinds  of  hides  suitable  for  tanning  into 
leather  are  those  of  heifers.  The  large  ox  hides  are 
those  which  are  used  chiefly  for  conversion  into  sole 
leather.  The  skins  of  horses,  cows,  bulls,  and  buffa- 
loes, are  used  for  thick  sole  leather.  For  upper, 
thin,  and  the  various  fancy  leathers,  the  skins  of 
small  animals,  dogs,  sheep,  goats,  seals,  &c. 

The  quality  of  the  leather  depends  upon  several 
circumstances  ;  the  nature  of  the  skin,  its  condition 
in  curing,  upon  the  method  of  tanning,  also  the 
nature  of  the  food  upon  which  the  animal  fed,  and 
its  healthiness.  Hides  from  cattle  slaughtered  in 
cold  weather  are  said  to  produce  five  per  cent,  more 
leather  than  when  taken  in  the  warm  months.  Dry 
hides  produce  more  leather  than  salted  hides.  For 
the  production  of  40  pounds  of  leather,  the  average 
is  estimated  30  pounds  of  dry  hide  —  60  pounds  of 
salted,  or  74  pounds  of  market  hide.  Large  supplies 
of  skins  are  imported  from  Buenos  Ayres,  Brazil, 
California,  and  Texas.  Sheep  skins  are  received 
from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  and  Buenos  Ayres ; 
goat  skins  from  Barbary  ;  lamb  and  kid  from  Italy. 
13 


290 


TANNING. 


Very  few  hides,  comparatively,  are  obtained  at  home. 
In  order  to  form  some  idea  of  the  extent  of  the 
leather  trade,  as  represented  in  the  tanning  establish- 
ments, a  few  figures  will  enable  the  reader  to  judge. 

There  are,  according  to  Morfit,  6,263  Tanneries  in 
the  United  States,  the  largest  number  being  in  Penn- 
sylvania. These  unitedly  employ  20,909  persons,  and 
in  which  business  is  invested  the  sum  of  $18,900,557. 
The  value  of  the  products  is  $32,861,796.  About 
6,000,000  skins  of  sheep,  goats  and  other  small 
animals,  are  tanned  and  dressed  annually,  which  are 
not  included  in  the  above  estimate. 

The  Scientific  American,  in  alluding  to  Morfit's 
excellent  work  on  the  "  Arts  of  Tanning,"  had  the 
following  notice  which  we  here  insert : 

"  In  looking  over  this  book,  and  reading  the  differ- 
ent plans  for  improving  leather,  and  for  reducing 
the  time  occupied  in  tanning  a  skin  or  hide,  we  are 
more  and  more  convinced  of  the  important  fact  that 
the  tanning  art  has  been  greatly  improved  by  modern 
discoveries  and  application — a  contrary  opinion  to  that 
held  by  the  universal  mass  of  the  people.  We  know 
it  is  very  difficult  to  introduce  new  plans  of  tanning, 
for  tanners  are,  like  others,  wedded  to  old  things ; 
thus  the  rolling  of  leather  —  an  operation  now  gen- 
erally practiced — was  opposed  with  much  bitterness 
by  some  of  our  most  experienced  tanners,  one  of 
whom  said  6  he  never  would  roll  a  hide  while  he 
lived,'  an  assertion  which  he  wisely  lived  either  to 
forget  or  repudiate. 

"  The  whole  science  of  tanning  depends  on  two 
principles,  one  the  removal  of  the  hair  from  the  skin, 


TANNING. 


291 


with  the  least  injury  to  the  gelatinous  matter  of 
which  it  is  composed,  and  the  other  is  the  rendering 
of  the  skin  insoluble  in  water,  and  to  resist  the  action 
of  the  atmosphere,  and  yet  be  flexible.  The  hair 
can  be  removed  by  .lime,  sweating,  and  other  means, 
but  the  employment  of  a  substance  or  substances 
that  will  combine  with  the  gelatine  of  the  skin  to 
form  a  new  substance,  insoluble  in  water  and  incapa- 
ble of  being  injuriously  acted  upon  by  the  atmosphere, 
offers  a  wide  field  for  the  historian  of  the  tanning  art, 
and  presents  a  subject  for  the  study  of  every  tanner 
at  least  in  our  country.  The  art  of  tanning  was 
known,  we  suppose,  before  the  flood  ;  it  is  practised 
among  all  nations,  civilized  and  savage,  and  the  gist 
of  it  lies  in  soaking  the  skins  in  different  solutions 
of  various  vegetable  substances  of  an  astringent 
character,  until  the  tanning  juices  of  those  sub- 
stances have  combined  with  the  whole  skin  and  ren- 
dered it  a  new  substance  named  leather.  Oak  and 
hemlock  barks,  sumac,  willow,  blackberries,  catechu, 
kino,  &c,  are  employed.  Those  who  wish  to  get  an 
account  of  the  various  processes  and  substances  em- 
ployed, must  consult  this  book. 

"  We  have  only  another  remark  to  make,  it  is  this, 
we  have  never  known  any  of  the  metallic  solutions 
to  be  employed  in  tanning,  and  from  their  nature,  in 
rendering  some  vegetable  substances  insoluble,  we 
believe  that  it  would  be  worth  the  trouble  for  some 
of  our  tanners  to  make  a  few  experiments.  We 
would  recommend  the  chloride  of  tin ;  it  is  made  by 
feeding  drop-tin  into  muriatic  acid  until  effervescence 
ceases.    The  way  to  try  it  would  be  to  make  up  a 


292 


TANNING. 


solution  of  it  in  a  tub  of  cold  water,  until  it  stood 
about  1J°  in  the  hydrometer  ;  the  skin  should  have 
undergone  through  the  whole  tanning  process  before 
it  is  placed  in  this  solution,  in  which  it  should  lie 
about  two  hours,  and  be  stirred  up  two  or  three  times. 
After  this  it  should  be  well  washed  in  cold  water, 
and  then  finished  in  a  milk-warm  water  bath,  when 
it  will  be  ready  for  drying.  It  is  our  opinion  that  a 
superior  leather  would  be  produced  by  this  addition 
to  any  of  the  present  processes. 


CHAPTER  II 


TANNING  AND  THE  TANNING  WOODS  OF  AMERICA. 

The  following  letter  in  1851  was  addressed  by  Dr. 
Reid,  of  Rochester,  New  York,  to  Dr.  Gale,  of  the 
United  States  Patent  office,  respecting  the  art  of  Tan- 
ning, and  the  various  substances  which  are,  or  may  be 
used  in  the  processes.  It  is  a  very  able  and  elaborate 
document,  and  will  be  found  to  contain  not  only 
facts,  but  important  suggestions  which  must  be  valu- 
able to  all  interested  in  tanning. 

"Dr.  Gale  —  Dear  Sir :  As  a  chemist  interested  in 
the  discovery  of  new  chemical  facts,  and  as  an  Amer- 
ican citizen  in  the  development  of  all  branches  of 
industry  of  our  common  country,  permit  me  to  cail 
your  attention  to  the  following  remarks  and  sugges- 
tions. 

For  two  years  and  a  half  past  I  have  been  engaged, 
more  or  less  of  the  time,  in  the  investigation  and 
development  of  an  improved  system  of  tanning, 
founded,  as  I  natter  myself,  upon  a  more  correct 
knowledge  of  the  chemical  affinities  and  qualities  of 
the  various  substances  used,  and  of  the  processes 
employed  in  making  leather. 

2  93 


294  TANNING  AND  THE  TANNING  WOODS. 


The  art  of  making  leather  embraces  two  species  of 
operation,  viz.,  the  chemical  and  mechanical:  the 
first  includes  all  the  changes  produced  in  the  raw 
hide,  by  means  of  other  substances  applied  to  it,  till 
it  becomes  leather.  The  second,  all  the  physical 
labor  expended  upon  it,  whether  by  manual  tools  or 
machinery.  The  first  is  by  far  the  most  essential 
and  important,  and  yet  it  is  that  which  is  least  under- 
stood by  practical  tanners.  For  the  want  of  chemical 
knowledge  they  are,  in  a  great  degree,  incapable  of 
understanding  and  appreciating  the  chemical  phenom- 
ena daily  passing  before  their  eyes  ;  hence  improve- 
ment in  the  art  of  leather-making  has  been  very 
slow :  and  those  improvements  which  have  been 
attempted  belong  chiefly  to  the  tools  and  machinery 
employed.  Very  few  tanners  have  ever  ventured 
upon  an  improvement  in  the  chemical  branch  of  their 
art ;  and  when  they  have,  their  supposed  inventions 
or  discoveries  were  in  direct  contradiction  of  chemi- 
cal laws,  and  of  course  were  impracticable  and  soon 
abandoned  :  as,  for  instance,  patents  have  been  taken 
out  for  the  use  of  potash  and  soda  ash,  dissolved  in 
the  tan  liquor  or  ooze.  One  man,  a  few  years  since, 
actually  obtained  a  patent  for  the  suspension  of  bags 
of  ashes  in  the  tan  vats.  If  he  were  a  tanner  he 
must  have  known,  what  every  practical  tanner  knows, 
that  lime,  remaining  in  the  hide,  prevents  the  process 
of  tanning,  besides  making  bad  leather  ;  but  he  did 
not  know  that  lime  and  potash  were  both  alkalies, 
and  that  tannin  was  an  acid,  and  that  alkalies  and 
acids  neutralize  each  other,  and  therefore  for  his  pur- 
pose, incompatible,  or  he  never  would  have  made 
such  an  absurd  mistake. 


TANNING  AND  THE  TANNING  WOODS.  £95 

For  the  last  fifty  years,  nearly  all  the  improve- 
ments, real  or  supposed,  that  have  been  patented, 
were  chiefly  for  tools  or  machinery,  for  the  purpose 
of  expediting'  the  mechanical  labor  necessarily  em- 
ployed, but  the  discovery  and  improvements  which  I 
have  been  investigating  appertain  solely  to  the  chemi- 
cal processes  of  tanning.  They  were  first  proposed 
by  Harmon  Hibbard,  to  whom  letters  patent  were 
granted,  as  you  are  already  aware  ;  and  with  which 
improvements,  and  the  chemical  principles  on  which 
they  are  founded,  you  are  familiar,  having  given  them 
a  careful  and  patient  examination  pending  his  appli- 
cation for  a  patent.  But  it  is  not  my  purpose  to  dis- 
cuss these  topics  now,  and  I  will  dismiss  this  part  of 
my  subject  by  a  quotation  from  Dr.  Ure,  and  by  offer- 
ing a  remark  or  two  thereon. 

In  his  dictionary  of  the  Arts,  Dr.  Ure  says : — 
"  Various  menstrua  have  been  proposed  for  the  pur- 
pose of  expediting  and  improving  the  process  of  tan- 
ning ;  among  others,  lime-water  and  a  solution  of 
pearlash ;  but  these  two  substances  form  compounds 
with  tannin,  which  are  not  decomposable  by  gelatine ; 
it  follows  that  their  effects  must  be  prejudicial. 
There  is  very  little  reason  to  suppose  that  any  bodies 
will  be  found,  which,  at  the  same  time  that  they 
increase  the  solubility  of  tannin  in  water,  will  not 
likewise  diminish  its  attraction  for  skin." 

Now  the  very  objects  here  supposed  by  Dr.  Ure  to 
be  unattainable,  are  literally  and  perfectly  accom- 
plished by  Hibbard's  method,  viz.,  a  menstrum  has 
been  found  "  for  expediting  and  improving  the  pro- 
cess of  tanning,"  and  that,  too,  by  "  increasing  at 


296  TANNING  AND  THE  TANNING  WOODS. 

the  same  time  both  the  solubility  of  tannin  and  its 
attraction  for  gelatine  or  skin;"  by  means,  also,  so 
simple,  direct  and  obvious,  that  it  is  wonderful  that 
so  learned  a  chemist  as  Dr.  Ure  should  not  himself 
have  made  the  discovery. 

But  I  come  now  to  the  principle  object  in  view  in 
this  communication. 

During  the  experiments  and  investigations  above 
alluded  to,  my  attention  has  been  directed  to  two 
important  branches  of  the  manufacture  of  leather. 

First.  The  chemical  principles  involved  in  the 
several  processes  of  making  the  various  kinds  of 
leather,  whether  it  be  in  "  tawing,"  as  in  making  kid 
glove  leather,  or  in  oil  dressing,  as  in  making  buck- 
skin and  chamois  leather,  or  in  tanning  proper,  as  in 
making  morocco,  upper  and  sole  leather. 

Second.  The  various  species  and  qualities  of  the 
tannin  materials  used,  viz.,  the  bark  of  hemlock,  sev- 
eral varieties  of  oak,  American  and  Sicily  sumac,  and 
terra  japonica :  these  embrace  the  chief  kinds  used 
in  this  country. 

It  is  to  this  latter  —  the  materials  for  tanning  — 
that  I  wish  more  particularly  to  call  your  attention. 

We  greatly  need  both  a  qualitive  and  quantitive 
analysis  of  the  several  kinds  of  substances  used  for 
tanning,  especially  of  the  hemlock  bark  —  of  the 
white,  black,  red,  Spanish,  chestnut,  oak,  and  other 
varieties  of  the  Quercus ;  also  of  the  American  and 
Sicily  sumacs,  and  of  catechu  or  terra  japonica.  We 
have  many  native  trees  and  shrubs,  of  whose  barks 
an  analysis  might  prove  to  be  something  more  than 
jnere  scientific  curiosities. 


TANNING  AND  THE  TANNING  WOODS. 


297 


A  writer  in  one  of  our  scientific  journals  asserts 
tli at  the  bark  of  the  chestnut  contains  more  tannin 
than  oak,  and  more  coloring  matter  than  logwood  of 
equal  weights  and  qualities.  On  what  authority  he 
makes  this  statement,  I  know  not,  but  if  the  fact  be 
so,  it  should  be  established  and  known. 

I  am  not  ignorant  that  Sir  Humphrey  Davy  and 
other  distinguished  foreign  chemists  have  investigated 
this  subject  to  considerable  extent,  but  the  barks  and 
substances  examined  by  them  were  not  our  indige- 
nous products ;  besides,  since  their  day,  better  and 
more  accurate  methods  of  analysis  have  been  discov- 
ered, so  that  even  their  experiments  need  revision, 
and  many  of  their  conclusions  may  need  correction. 

According  to  Sir  H.  Davy,  terra  japonica  contains 
about  54  per  cent,  of  tannin,  and  is  equal  in  tannin 
properties,  to  6  or  7  lbs.  of  English  oak  bark,  and 
to  three  lbs.  of  Sicily  sumac.  The  tanners  of  this 
country  consider  American  sumac  as  possessing  only 
half  the  amount  of  tannin  of  the  foreign  and  imported 
article  ;  and  it  is  worth  only  half  as  much  per  ton : 
hence  it  would  require  6  lbs.  of  it  to  equal  1  lb.  of 
terra  japonica  or  catechu,  and  is,  therefore,  equal  in 
tanning  to  English  oak  bark.  But  the  hemlock  of 
this  country  has  probably  double  the  amount  of  tan- 
nin that  the  white  oak  of  the  Northern  States  has ; 
hence  it  holds  a  middle  rank  between  Sicily  sumac 
and  terra  japonica,  and  would  consequently  require  4 
or  5  lbs.  of  it  to  equal  one  of  the  latter. 

But  the  quality  of  the  tannin,  or  rather  the  qual- 
ity of  the  leather  produced  by  these  different  kinds  of 
tanning  material'  is  a  matter  of  quite  as  much 
13* 


293 


TANNING  AND  THE  TANNING  WOODS. 


importance  as  the  relative  or  absolute  quantity  of 
tanning  contained  in  each  of  them.  While  terra  jap- 
onica  possesses  the  greatest  quantity  of  tannin,  it  is 
considered  as  producing  the  most  inferior  quality  of 
leather.  So  hemlock,  which,  excepting  the  Sicily 
sumac,  possesses  the  next  highest  quantity,  produce 
the  next  worst  quality  of  leather ;  while  the  oaks, 
which  are  the  lowest  in  the  scale  of  quantity,  afford 
the  most  superior  in  quality.  And  although  the 
American  and  Sicily  sumacs  may  be  considered  to  be 
on  a  par  with  the  oaks,  as  to  quality,  yet  the  same 
law  seems  to  hold  with  respect  to  each  other  ;  that  is, 
the  American  sumac,  which  possesses  only  about  half 
the  amount  of  tannin,  makes  a  better  quality  of 
leather  than  the  Sicily  sumac. 

'Now  pure  tannin  is  probably  the  same  in  all  cases, 
then  why  this  great  diversity  of  quality  in  the  leather? 
A  careful  chemical  analysis  of  the  substances  used, 
would  determine  the  question  ;  but,  in  the  absence  of 
such  analysis,  we  readily  and  perhaps  correctly  con- 
jecture, that  very  different  vegetable  gums,  resins, 
acids,  extracts,  &c,  must  be  combined  with  the  tan- 
nin in  these  several  tanning  materials,  which  being 
also  soluble  in  water,  combine  in  some  way  with  the 
gelatine  of  the  hide  as  well  as  the  tannin,  and  become 
fixed,  although  none  of  them  could  alone  be  made  to 
unite  thus  permanently  with  the  hide.  It  becomes, 
therefore,  a  matter  of  much  importance  to  the  tanner 
to  know  what  these  several  vegetable  products  are 
which  are  combined  with  the  tannin  of  each  species 
of  bark,  or  substance  used  for  tanning,  and  as  they 
are  not  merely  useless,  but  injurious,  to  know  how, 


TANNING  AND  THE  TANNING  WOODS.  299 

if  possible,  he  may  get  rid  of  them.  Among  these 
products,  there  is  in  hemlock  bark  a  large  amount  of 
resin  or  pitch,  a  small  portion  of  which,  however,  is 
soluble,  unless  very  hot  water  is  used  in  leeching  the 
bark ;  but  in  all  barks  there  is,  besides  extractive  or 
coloring  matter,  a  large  amount  of  acetite  of  potash, 
which  is  nearly  as  soluble  as  tannin  itself,  and  which 
is  always  leeched  out  of  the  bark  and  forms  a  part  of 
the  tan  liquor  or  ooze  in  which  the  tanner  steeps  his 
hides.  That  the  potash,  which  abounds  in  all  barks, 
is  leeched  out,  is  evident  from  the  fact,  that  ashes, 
obtained  from  burning  the  leeched  bark  of  tan  yards, 
will  not  afford  a  ley  sufficiently  strong  to  make  soap. 
The  same  thing  is  true  of  wood  that  has  been  long 
soaked  in  water.  The  black  oak  or  Quercitron  — 
the  Quercus  Tinetosia  which  is  so  valuable  for  its 
coloring  properties,  is  among  the  richest  of  barks  in 
tannin,  and  makes  the  best  quality  of  leather,  but  it 
is  generally  abhorred  by  tanners,  and  avoided  in  the 
first  stages  of  tanning.  It  abounds  in  a  rich,  deep 
yellow  precipitate,  which  attaches  itself,  like  paint, 
so  tenaciously  to  the  surface  of  the  hides,  that  the 
tannin  penetrates  very  slowly.  But  by  the  Hibbard 
process  of  tanning,  the  hydro-chloric  acidused  decom- 
poses and  neutralizes  both"  the  potash  and  coloring 
matters  leeched  out  of  the  bark,  in  a  great  degree,  so 
that  the  process  of  tanning  is  more  rapid,  and  the 
color  of  the  leather  much  fairer  and  more  beautiful, 
besides  it,  the  leather,  being  tougher  and  more  pli- 
able. 

Here  then,  in  the  analysis  of  our  indigenous  barks, 
is  a  field  large  enough  to  give  useful  and  honorable 


300 


TANNING  AND  THE  TANNING  WOODS. 


employment  to  all  the  first  chemists  of  the  country. 
Not  possessing,  myself,  either  the  time,  skill,  or 
requisite  means  to  pursue  this  subject,  but  believing 
that  you  possessed  them  all,  in  addition  to  a  taste 
and  zeal  for  such  pursuits,  I  have  taken  the  liberty 
to  present  those  views  and  suggestions  for  your  con- 
sideration. 

There  are  other  matters  connected  with  this  sub- 
ject which  belong  rather  to  the  commercial  and  agri- 
cultural business  of  the  country,  but  are  not  wholly 
devoid  of  interest  to  the  naturalist  and  chemist.  I 
allude  to  the  quality  and  quantity  of  tanning  mate- 
rials as  produced  and  influenced  by  latitude,  locality, 
and  climate.  In  the  Eastern,  Northern,  and  West- 
ern States  the  quality  and  quantity  of  tan  barks  are 
far  inferior  to  those  of  the  Middle,  Southern,  and 
South-western.  The  facilities  and  natural  resources 
of  the  South  for  manufacturing  leather,  over  those  of 
the  North,  as  far  exceeds  those  of  the  latter,  as  the 
actual  amount  of  leather  and  shoes  manufactured  by 
the  North  exceeds  those  manufactured  by  the  South. 

The  South,  in  fact,  ought  to  furnish  the  North  with 
leather  ;  and  should,  moreover,  produce  all  the  sumac 
needed  for  hame  consumption,  both  for  dyeing  and 
tanning,  of  which  we  now  import  large  quantities. 
By  procuring  from  the  coast  of  the  Mediterranean 
the  best  varieties  of  sumac,  viz.,  the  Rhus  Coriana 
and  the  Rus  Cotinus  —  the  former  used  chiefly  in 
tanning,  and  the  latter  in  dyeing,  the  South  might 
grow  enough  in  a  few  years  for  export,  and  find  it  a 
profitable  branch  of  industry. " 


CHAPTER  III. 


PRACTICAL  HINTS  ON  TANNING. 

The  Hon.  Zadock  Pratt,  one  of  the  largest  Tan- 
ners in  the  State  of  New  York,  has  given  some  very 
valuable  information  concerning  the  various  tanning 
processes  which  his  experience  and  knowledge  have 
afforded  him.  We  shall  select  a  few  of  the  most 
important  as  furnished  by  him  to  Morfit's  valuable 
work. 

"  Skins  with  the  hair  on  are  first  soaked  in  cold 
water  for  forty-eight  hours,  and  are  then  subjected 
to  the  action  of  the  machine  (Monier  &  Ray's  Mill) 
for  an  hour  and  a  half ;  exposure  for  which  time  is 
generally  sufficient  to  render  them  pliable.  Eight  or 
ten  skins,  according  to  their  size  and  thickness,  are 
generally  contained  in  the  apparatus.  The  water  is 
then  allowed  to  drain  off,  a  sufficient  quantity  of 
cream  of  lime  is  poured  in  and  the  skins  are  again 
beaten  for  four  hours,  when  they  are  taken  out  and 
piled  up.  After  having  been  left  to  drain  for  five 
hours  in  this  position,  they  are  again  fulled  for  a 
time  in  the  machine,  and  then  are  deprived  of  their 
hair  and  fleshed  by  the  workmen.    They  are  then 

301 


302 


PRACTICAL  HINTS  ON  TANNING. 


oeaten  for  an  hour  and  a  half  in  the  machine,  and 
cleaned  and  scraped  with  the  slate.  In  order  to 
remove  the  lime,  some  of  which  remains  attached  to 
the  skins,  they  are  now  soaked  in  water  containing 
one  hundredth  part  of  sulphuric  acid,  and,  after 
being  constantly  stirred  in  this  liquid  for  an  hour,  are 
washed  and  rinsed  in  running  water. 

This  method  of  preparing  skins  for  tanning  dis- 
penses with  the  laborious  manipulations  to  which 
they  are  commonly  subjected,  and  preserves  their 
quality,  not  injured  as  they  are  in  the  old  way,  by 
the  hands  of  the  workmen.  It  also  presents  the 
additional  advantage,  that  they  do  not  require  the 
long  exposure  to  the  action  of  lime  which  is  so  apt 
to  injure  their  tissue. 

Since  I  first  commenced  business,  the  gain  of 
weight  in  converting  hides  into  leather,  has  been 
increased  nearly  50  per  cent.  That  is,  from  a  quarter 
to  a  third  more  leather  can  now  be  obtained  from  a 
given  quantity  of  hides,  than  at  the  time  when  I 
learned  my  trade  at  my  father's  tannery,  conducted 
in  the  old  fashioned  way,  some  forty  years  ago.  The 
great  improvement  in  weight  seems  to  have  been 
gained  by  the  judicious  use  of  strong  liquors,  or 
"  ooze,"  obtained  from  finely  ground  bark,  and  by 
skilful  tanning. 

The  loss  and  wastage  upon  hides,  from  hair,  flesh, 
&c.,.may  be  estimated  at  from  12  to  15  per  cent. 

To  green  hides,  particularly,  nothing  can  be  more 
injurious  than  to  suffer  them  to  remain  too  long  in 
weak  ooze.  On  the  other  hand,  however,  the  effects 
of  an  early  application  of  ooze,  that  is  too  strong  and 


PRACTICAL  HINTS  ON  TANNING. 


303 


too  warm,  to  green  hides,  is  very  injurious.  It  con- 
tracts the  surface  fibres  of  the  skin,  tanning  at  once 
the  external  layers  so  "  dead,"  as  it  is  termed,  as  to 
shut  up  the  pores,  and  prevent  the  tannin  from  pene- 
trating the  interior.  In  the  impossibility  of  adapting 
fixed  rules  to  the  innumerable  variety  of  cases,  noth- 
ing can  be  depended  upon  but  the  judgment  of  the 
practical  tanner.  In  softening  hides,  and  preparing 
them  for  the  process  of  tanning,  a  great  deal  depends 
upon  the  judgment  of  the  one  superintending  the 
operation. 

In  "  sweating,"  the  character  of  the  hides,  and 
the  temperature,  are  essential,  but  ever-varying  con- 
siderations. As  a  general  rule,  however,  the  milder 
the  process  for  preparing  the  hides  for  the  bark,  the 
better.  Too  high  a  temperature  is  particularly  to  be 
avoided.  Hides  that  are  very  stiff  and  hard,  resist- 
ing all  the  ordinary  modes  of  softening,  are  assisted 
by  a  solution  of  ashes,  potash,  or  even  common  salt 
will  be  found  benefic^l ;  and  particularly  so  in  hot 
weather. 

The  following  table  may  be  found  useful  in  convey- 
ing an  approximation  to  a  definite  idea  of  the  prac- 
tice in  my  tannery : 

40°        50°        60°  70° 
Soaking.  Days.     Days.     Days.  Days. 

Buenos  Ayres  hides  10  to  12  8  to  12    6  to  8     3  to  6. 

Carthagenia  and  Laguaira     8  to  12   7  to  9      5  to  7     2  to  3. 
Sweating. 

Buenos  Ayres  hides  15  to  20  12  to  16  8  to  12  2  to  3. 

Carthagena  and  Laguaira     15  to  20  10  to  15   6  to  8     2  to  3. 

I  would  here  remark  that  I  changed  the  process 
from  liming  to  sweating  in  the  sole  leather  in  1836  — 


804 


PRACTICAL  HINTS  ON  TANNING. 


the  only  change  I  have  made  in  tanning  for  twenty 
years  ;  and  for  sole  leather,  it  has  been  proved  to  be 
quite  as  good  as  liming,  if  not  better,  and  somewhat 
cheaper  ;  besides  yielding  a  greater  gain  of  weight, 
and  when  well  tanned,  making  leather  more  imper- 
vious to  water.  Liming  and  "  bating,"  however,  for 
light  leather,  is  preferable.  Salted  hides  do  not  re- 
quire more  than  two-thirds  the  time  to  soak  ;  but 
generally  rather  longer  to  sweat.  After  the  hides 
are  prepared  for  tanning,  the  next  process  is  what  is 
commonly  called  "  handling,"  which  should  be  per- 
formed two  or  three  times  a  day  in  a  weak  "  ooze  " 
until  the  grain  is  colored.  New  liquors,  or  a  mixture 
of  new  and  old,  are  preferable  for  Spanish  or  dry 
hides  —  old  liquors  for  slaughter.  They  are  then, 
after  a  fortnight,  laid  away  in  bark,  and  changed 
once  in  two  or  four  weeks,  until  tanned.  Much 
care  and  judgment  are  necessary  in  proportioning 
the  continually  increasing  strength  of  the  liquors  to 
the  requirements  of  the  leathe^  in  the  different  stages 
of  this  process.  The  liquors  should  be  kept  as  cool 
as  possible,  within  certain  limits,  but  ought  never  to 
exceed  a  temperature  of  eighty  degrees  ;  in  fact,  a 
much  lower  temperature  is  the  maximum  point,  if 
the  liquor  is  very  strong ;  too  high  a  heat,  with  a 
liquor  too  strongly  charged  with  the  tanning  prin- 
ciple, being  invariably  injurious  to  the  life  and  color 
of  the  leather.  From  this  it  would  seem  that  time 
is  an  essential  element  in  the  process  of  tanning,  and 
that  we  cannot  make  up  for  the  want  of  it  by  in- 
creasing the  strength  of  the  liquor,  or  raising  the 
temperature  at  which  the  process  is  conducted,  any 


PRACTICAL  HINTS  ON  TANNING. 


305 


more  than  we  can  fatten  an  ox  or  horse  by  giving 
him  more  than  he  can  eat. 

Hides  that  are  treated  with  liquor  below  the 
proper  strength  become  much  relaxed  in  their  tex- 
ture, and  lose  a  portion  of  their  gelatine.  The 
leather  necessarily  loses  in  weight  and  compactness, 
and  is  much  more  porous  and  pervious  to  water.  The 
warmer  these  weak  solutions  are  applied,  the  greater 
this  loss  of  gelatine.  To  ascertain  whether  a  portion 
of  weak  liquor  contains  any  gelatine  in  solution,  it 
is  only  necessary  to  strain  a  little  of  it  in  a  glass,  and 
then  add  a  small  quantity  of  a  stronger  liquor.  The 
excess  of  tannin  in  the  strong,  seizing  upon  the  dis- 
solved gelatine  in  the  weak  liquor,  will  combine  with 
it,  and  be  precipitated  in  flakes,  of  a  dark,  curdled 
appearance,  to  the  bottom.  At  the  Prattsville  Tan- 
nery, the  greatest  strength  of  liquor  used  for  "  hand- 
ling," as  indicated  by  Pike's  bark-ometer,  (an  instru- 
ment to  test  only  freshly  made  liquors,)  is  sixteen 
degrees ;  of  that  employed  in  laying  away,  the 
greatest  strength  varies  from  thirty-five  to  forty-five 
degrees. 

After  the  leather  has  been  thoroughly  tanned  and 
rinsed,  or  scrubbed  by  a  brush-machine  or  broom,  it 
will  tend  very  much  to  improve  its  color  and  pliabil- 
ity to  stack  it  up  in  piles,  and  allow  it  to  sweat  until 
it  becomes  a  little  slippery  from  a  kind  of  mucus  that 
collects  upon  its  surface.  A  little  oil  added  at  this 
stage  of  the  process,  or  just  before  rolling,  is  found  to 
be  very  useful. 

Great  caution  is  necessary  in  the  admission  of  air, 
in  drying  when  first  hung  up  to  dry.     No  more  air 


306 


PRACTICAL  HINTS  ON  TANNING. 


than  is  sufficient  to  keep  the  sides  from  moulding, 
should  bo  allowed.  Too  much  air,  or  in  other  words, 
if  dried  too  rapidly,  in  a  current  of  air,  will  injure  the 
color,  giving  a  darker  hue  and  rendering  the  leather 
harsh  and  brittle.       *  *  *  * 

The  average  time  of  tanning  in  1842,  was  five 
months  and  seventeen  days  ;  of  1843,  five  months  and 
twenty-two  days ;  1844,  six  months ;  1845,  six 
months  and  eleven  days ;  average  of  the  whole  time, 
five  months  and  twenty-seven  days.  The  average 
weight  of  the  leather  was  over  eighteen  and  one-half 
pounds  per  side.  This,  according  to  the  best  author- 
ities we  have,  is  considerably  below  the  time  employed 
in  England.  There,  it  is  no  uncommon  thing  for 
eight  or  ten  months  to  be  employed  in  tanning  a 
stock  of  leather,  and  some  of  the  heaviest  leather, 
it  is  said,  takes  fourteen  and  eighteen  months.  Such 
deliberation  undoubtedly  insures  a  fine  quality  of 
leather,  but  it  may  be  questioned  whether  there  is 
not  a  great  loss  of  weight  —  a  loss  of  interest  on 
capital,  and  in  consequence  an  unnecessary  enhance- 
ment of  price,  which  does  not  suit  the  American 
market. 

The  tanning'  of  leather,  more  than  almost  any 
other  manufacture,  is  a  chemical  process,  the  success 
of  which  depends  almost  wholly  upon  the  skill  and 
judgment  with  which  its  complicated  manipulations 
are  conducted.  To  attain  the  requisite  skill  in  the 
laboratory  of  the  chemist,  is  evidently  impossible  ; 
it  can  only  be  acquired  in  tanning  itself,  by  long  and 
careful  attention  and  observation. 

The  labor  in  the  loft  and  peeling  bark  during  the 


PRACTICAL  HINTS  ON  TANNING. 


307 


above  five  year2  was  8820  days.  One  man  will  work 
through  the  beam-house,  in  one  year,  6260  sides. 
One  man  will  tan  and  finish  2228  sides.  One  cord 
of  bark  tans  196  pounds. 

The  question  has  been  frequently  asked  me,  how 
long  does  it  take  to  tan  sole  leather.  I  answer,  from 
four  to  six  months,  according  to  the  strength  of  the 
liquor  and  the  number  of  sides  in  the  vats  ;  and  the 
quicker  tanned  the  better. 

If  the  hides  are  fresh,  they  are  capable  of  being 
properly  softened,  and,  if  so,  the  process  of  tanning 
may  be  completed  much  sooner  than  in  the  case  of 
old  and  hard  hides,  that  cannot  be  softened  with  the 
same  facility. 

If  the  hides  have  sufficient  room  in  the  vats,  so  as 
not  to  lay  crowded,  they  will  tan  much  faster. 

As  the  tanning  advances,  the  liquor  should  be 
renewed  seasonably,  and  its  strength  increased  in 
a  ratio  proportionate  to  each  stage  of  tanning. 

The  question,  "  Is  the  leather  to  be  tanned  so  as 
to  barely  pass  in  market,  or  to  be  well  prepared,  so 
as  to  make  firm  and  solid  leather  ?  "  involves  a  con- 
sideration of  much  importance." 

Every  one  interested  in  the  science  of  tanning 
should  purchase  and  study  the  able  and  elaborate 
work  upon  the  subject  by  Morfit.  No  portion  of  this 
important  art  is  left  untouched,  and  the  work  gives 
abundant  evidence  of  laborious  research,  and  intelli- 
gent compilation,  combined  with  a  thorough  knowl- 
edge of  the  subject. 


N 


CHAPTER  IY. 

HIBB  ARB'S  PROCESS  OF  TANNING. 

We  herewith  give  the  specification  of  this  impor- 
tant patent,  allusion  to  which  is  made  in  the  letter 
of  Dr.  Reid: 

To  all  whom  it  may  concern :  —  Be  it  known  that 
I,  William  W.  Reid,  of  the  city  of  Rochester,  in  the 
county  of  Monroe,  and  State  of  New  York,  assignee 
of  Letters  Patent  of  the  United  States,  granted  to 
Herman  Hibbard,  of  the  town  of  Henrietta,  in  the 
county  and  State  aforesaid,  for  certain  improvements 
in  "Tanning  by  Tannin  and  acids,"  which  Letters 
Patent,  bearing  date  the  16th  day  of  October,  1849, 
were  assigned  to  me  on  the  23d  day  of  October,  of 
the  same  year,  by  deed,  which  deed  was  duly  record- 
ed on  the  24th  of  Nov.,  year  aforesaid,  believing  that 
said  Letters  Patent  are  inoperative,  and  invalid  by 
reason  of  a. defective  specification,  have  surrendered 
the  same,  and  according  to  the  requirements  of  the 
Acts  of  Congress  in  such  case  made  and  provided, 
have  applied  for  a  re-issue  of  Letters  Patent,  for  the 
same  improvements  under  the  specification  of  the 
words  following,  yiz  :   The  invention  and  discovery 

3  08 


htbbard's  process  op  tanning.  £09 

of  Herman  Hibbard,  consist  in  new  and  useful  im- 
provements in  the  preparing  of  hides  and  skins  for 
tanning,  and  in  the  art  or  mode  of  tanning  the  same, 
with  or  without  the  hair  or  wool  upon  them,  thereby- 
making  leather  suitable  for  the  various  purposes  to 
which  hides  and  skins  thus  tanned  may  be  applied. 

First,  the  nature  of  his  invention,  so  far  as  relates 
to  the  preparation  of  hides  and  skins  for  tanning, 
consists  in  the  use  of  a  composition  of  lime,  wood- 
ashes  or  potash  and  salt,  for  the  purpose  of  remov- 
ing hair  or  wool,  and  also  for  the  process  of  "  Lim- 
ing," so  called,  instead  of  using  lime  alone  as  in  the 
old  method. 

Lime  and  ashes  or  potash,  and  even  salt  in  weak  solu- 
tion, have  been  used  separately  for  the  purpose  of 
removing  hair  and  wool,  and  also  for  the  process  of 
"  Liming,"  that  is  for  removing  grease,  mucus,  and 
other  impurities  from  hides  and  skins,  but  not  as 
above  combined. 

It  requires  several  days  and  sometimes  weeks  to 
effect  these  several  objects,  by  the  use  of  lime  alone. 
Moreover,  lime  being  nearly  insoluble,  the  hides 
become  impregnated  therewith,  so  that  bates  and 
drenches  and  much  labor  are  required  to  remove  it, 
before  the  hides  are  in  a  suitable  condition  to  receive 
the  tannin,  in  consequence  of  which,  their  muscular 
fibre  and  texture  are  materially  injured.  But  pot- 
ash being  very  soluble,  is  easily  washed  or  worked 
out  by  water  alone  ;  besides,  it  has  a  greater  affinity 
for  fat  or  oil,  and  makes  a  soluble  soap,  which  is  also 
easily  worked  out ;  but  lime  makes  an  insoluble  soap, 
which  is  removed  with  more  difficulty  ;   potash  being 


310         hibbard's  process  of  tanning. 


soluble,  penetrates  and  softens  the  hide  more  speedily, 
and  thus  enables  the  lime  itself  to  act  sooner  than 
it  could  alone.  But  fresh  quick  lime  loosens  hair 
sooner  than  potash.  Thus  the  two  conjoined,  sub- 
serve a  better  purpose  than  either  singly. 

Salt,  in  solution,  also  aids  in  softening  dry  or  hard 
hides.  It  protects  the  substance  of  the  hide  from 
the  too  caustic  action  of  the  alkalies  —  loosens  dirt, 
grease,  &c,  and  thereby  purines  the  skin.  It  might 
be  omitted  in  treating  salted  hides  unless  soaked  too 
long  in  water.  But  in  all  cases  it  preserves  the  sub- 
stance and  weight  of  the  hides,  while  undergoing  the 
liming  process. 

Second,  the  nature  of  Hibbard's  invention,  so  far 
as  it  relates  to  the  process  of  tanning,  consists  in  the 
use  of  a  composition  of  salt,  sulphuric  acid,  and 
sumac,  oak,  hemlock  bark,  or  any  other  tannin  used 
for  tanning. 

The  salt,  sulphuric  acid,  and  tannin  being  mixed 
together  in  water,  in  certain  proportions .  hereafter 
mentioned,  a  portion  of  the  salt  is  decomposed  by  the 
sulphuric  acid,  forming  sulphate  of  soda  and  setting 
the  muriatic  acid  free,  which  (the  muriatic  acid) 
being  absorbed  by  the  water  acts  directly  and  rapidly 
on  whatever  of  the  alkalies  may  yet  remain  in  the 
skins,  dissolving  and  removing  them,  while  it  acts 
with  equal  rapidity  on  the  hide  itself,  "  raising  it," 
ar  opening  its  pores,  prepares  it  to  receive  the  tannin, 
which,  being  present  also  in  the  mixture,  immediately 
unites  with  the  gelatine  of  the  hide,  forming  leather 
more  expeditiously  than  by  the  old  method. 


hibbard's  process  of  tanning. 


311 


To  enable  others  skilled  in  the  art  of  tanning  to 
use  this  method,  let  them  observe  the  following  : 

For  unhairing  and  liming,  so  called,  and  for  pulling 
wool,  prepare  and  use  the  following  composition, 
which  we  denominate  — 

Composition  No.  1.  —  Good  wood  ashes,  1  bushel 
(or  potash  about  5  pounds)  ;  fresh  slacked  lime  4 
quarts ;  salt  about  3  quarts ;  water  about  100 
gallons. 

These  ingredients  may  be  mixed  together  and  the 
hides  be  put  into  the  mixture,  for  unhairing  and  lim- 
ing. But  for  pulling  wool,  take  lime  and  ashes  equal 
parts,  and  salt  1  quart,  to  one  bushel  of  the  mixture 
and  mix  with  water  sufficient  to  make  a  thin  paste, 
which  is  to  be  applied  to  the  flesh  sides  of  the  skins 
in  the  usual  way,  and  kept  at  a  temperature  of  60° 
to  68°  F. 

Or  a  better  method  may  be  to  leach  the  ashes,  or, 
when  potash  is  used,  to  dissolve  it  in  the  water.  To 
the  clear  ley  add  the  lime  and  salt,  and  use  the  mix- 
ture for  unhairing  and  liming.  But  for  pulling  wool 
mix  1  bushel  of  lime  and  1  quart  of  salt  with  good 
strong  ley,  making  a  thin  paste,  which  apply  to  the 
flesh  sides  of  the  skins,  as  already  described. 

A  little  practice  will  enable  the  operator  to  judge 
of  the  proper  strength  of  composition  No.  1.  It 
should  have  a  slippery  feel  and  quite  a  sharp  alkaline 
taste.  It  is  readily  made  stronger  by  the  addition  of 
more  materials,  or  weaker  by  adding  water. 

The  above  quantities  and  proportions  serve  as  a 
general  guide.  The  lime  and  ashes  or  potash  may  be 
used  in  various  proportions,  but  it  is  desirable  that 


312 


hjbbard's  process  of  tanning. 


as  little  lime  as  possible  to  produce  the  desired  effect, 
should  be  used^ecause  of  its  insolubility  and  of  its 
insinuating  itself  into  the  substance  of  the  hide. 
The  hides  or  skins  having  been  properly  soaked ,  soft- 
ened, and  broken,  are  to  be  put  into  composition  No. 

1.  in  a  vat  or  vats,  and  handled  in  the  usual  way. 
The  temperature  may  be  kept  at  50°  to  60°  F. 

As  soon  as  the  hair  will  come  freely,  they  must  be 
taken  out  and  put  into  clean  soft  warm  water,  and 
soaked  several  hours,  then  thoroughly  worked,  flesh 
and  grain,  on  the  beam.  Then  put  back  into  the 
water,  soaked  again  and  worked  again,  till  they  are 
sufiiciently  reduced.  They  are  then  ready  for  the 
tanning  process.  As  a  general  thing,  bates  and 
drenches  will  not  be  required,  because  the  potash 
being  soluble,  and  the  little  lime  used,  are  easily 
washed  out  with  water,  and  because  composition  No. 

2,  about  to  be  described,  used  in  the  tanning,  accom- 
plishes the  identical  objects  to  be  obtained  by  bating 
and  drenching.  If  any  prefer,  they  may  prepare 
their  hides  and  skins  after  the  old  method.  They 
can  be  tanned  just  as  well  by  composition  No.  2,  but 
skins  and  hides  prepared  by  the  foregoing  method 
will  make  heavier  and  stronger  leather,  than  when 
prepared  by  the  old  process  of  tanning  and  bating. 

For  tanning,  make  and  use  the  following  which  we 
denominate  — 

Composition  No.  2. —  Take  sumac,  oak  bark,  quer- 
citron, or  any  other  tanning  material,  either  singly, 
or  combined ;  leach  and  make  a  strong  infusion  or 
ooze.  To  every  100  gals,  of  ooze  a#4  salt,  20  lbs. ; 
sulphuric  acid  2  pints. 


hibbard's  process  of  tanning.  313 

These  quantities  serve  as  a  general  rule.  A  little 
experience  will  enable  a  workman  to  determine  by 
the  color  and  taste,  as  to  the  requisite  proportions 
and  quantities  and  strength  of  the  composition  with- 
out weighing  or  measuring. 

The  salt  should  always  be  in  excess  over  the  acid. 
If  it  is  considerably  more  so,  no  harm  can  accrue, 
but  if  the  acid  should  be  in  excess,  injury  might  be 
done.  There  should  be  sulphuric  acid  enough  to 
decompose  enough  of  the  salt  to  liberate  an  equiva- 
lent of  muriatic  acid ,  of  which  there  should  be  as 
much  as  is  sufficient  to  give  the  hides  a  uniform 
color,  and  cause  them  to  swell  or  puff  up  slightly. 

The  muriatic  acid  thus  generated  by  the  decom- 
position of  the  salt,  by  means  of  the  sulphuric  acid, 
attacks  the  alkalies  that  may  remain  in  the  hides, 
dissolves  or  converts  them  into  soluble  muriates  of 
lime  or  potash,  and  thus  acts  as  a  bate  and  drench  on 
the  hides,  to  clean  them,  while  at  the  same  time  it 
opens  their  pores,  so  that  they  imbibe  the  tannin 
more  rapidly.  It  also  precipitates  or  decomposes  a 
portion  of  the  coloring  matter  of  the  ooze,  and  there- 
by renders  the  color  of  the  leather  lighter,  more 
lively  and  beautiful. 

If  there  is  a  deficiency  of  acid,  so  as  not  to  neutral- 
ize all  the  alkalies  remaining  in  the  hides,  they  will 
be  spotted  or  dark  colored.  They  will  not  raise  or 
swell  up.  In  such  case,  more  of  the  sulphuric  acid 
must  be  added  for  the  purpose  of  decomposing  more 
of  the  salt  (which  is  supposed  to  be  in  excess)  and 
thus  furnish  more  of  the  muriatic  acid. 

N.  B.  —  Muriatic  acid  of  commerce  may  be  added 
14 


314  hibbard's  process  of  tanning. 

to  the  tannin  and  salt,  and  they  will  produce  nearly 
the  same  result ;  the  sulphate  of  soda  would  be 
wanting,  but  this  also  may  be  added,  and  then  we 
should  have  the  same  composition,  and  precisely  the 
same  results  ;  and  when  economy  would  warrant  it, 
this  course  might  be  adopted,  but  at  the  present  cost 
of  these  materials,  it  is  cheaper  to  use  sulphuric 
acid  and  salt,  and  thus  generate  both  the  muriatic 
acid  and  sulphate  of  soda ;  this  method  is  also  more 
simple. 

The  hides  and  skins  having  been  prepared  in  Com- 
position No.  1,  as  already  described,  they  are  then  to 
be  put  into  Composition  No.  2,  prepared  as  above,  in 
suitable  vats,  and  handled  often  in  the  usual  way. 
The  strength  of  the  composition  must  be  kept  up  by 
additions  of  strong  ooze,  and  also  of  salt  and  acid 
when  necessary,  and  in  such  quantities  as  will  give 
the  original  taste,  color,  &c. 

The  time  required  to  accomplish  the  process  of 
tanning  will  depend  on  the  quality  and  size  of  the 
hides  or  skins,  or  kinds  of  leather  to  be  made,  and  on 
the  strength  and  temperature  of  the  composition. 
It  the  strength  be  good,  the  temperature  about  80°, 
and  the  handling  properly  conducted,  most  kinds  of 
leather  may  be  tanned  in  less  than  half  the  time 
required  by  the  old  method  of  tanning  now  in  use  in 
our  country.  When  the  hides  are  sufficiently  tan- 
ned, those  designed  to  be  curried  may  be  curried  and 
finished  in  the  usual  way.  If  the  process  has  been 
properly  conducted,  they  will  require  much  less 
scouring,  whereby  some  hard  labor  is  saved. 


hibbard's  process  of  tanning.  315 

When  it  is  intended  to  black  and  finish  on  the 
grain,  in  order  to  remove  any  excess  of  salt  and  acid 
that  may  remain  in  them  and  interfere  with  the  fin- 
ishing, after  removing  them  from  the  vats,  soak  them 
an  hour  or  less  in  a  clear  ooze,  made  of  the  same 
kind  of  tannin  used  in  tanning  them  ;  then  rinse  and 
strike  them  out  of  clear  soft  water,  after  which  im- 
merse them  in  the  following  composition  :  —  To  every 
gallon  of  soft  water  add,  of  good  soft  soap  1  quart ; 
best  sperm  or  cod  oil,  1  pint.  Mix  and  beat  these 
ingredients  well  together ;  after  being  dipped  in  this 
mixture  let  them  "  sammy  "  or  dry  partially,  then 
sham  set  and  stuff  them.  For  stuffing,  use  common 
stuffing  and  soft  soap,  equal  parts,  or  sad  and  cod  oil, 
equal  parts  ;  after  which,  if  to  be  finished  on  the  flesh 
side,  proceed  in  the  usual  way,  but  if  it  be  blacked 
on  the  grain,  wet  or  sponge  them,  when  nearly  dry, 
on  the  grain  side  with  a  weak  solution  of  potash  or 
sal  soda,  then  apply  a  thin  coat  of  blood  and  acetate 
of  iron,  as  used  by  morocco  dressers  ;  let  them  nearly 
dry,  then  repeat  the  coat  of  sal  soda  and  mixture  of 
blood  and  acetate  of  iron.  Then  set  them  smooth  on 
both  sides,  and  oil  and  dry  them. 

Deer,  sheep,  and  similar  skins,  designed  for  buck, 
or  imitation  of  buck,  such  as  are  used  for  gloves,  mit- 
tens, and  military  trimmings,  should  be  "  frized " 
after  being  prepared  in  Composition  No.  1,  and  un- 
haired ;  and  then  tanned  in  Composition  No.  2,  pre- 
pared with  sumac.  When  tanned,  rinse  and  strike 
them  out  of  clean  soft  water,  then  hang  up  to  dry. 
When  dry,  finish  on  a  perch  with  a  stake,  moon- 
knife,  and  pumice  stone  ;  or,  to  make  them  soft  and 


316  hibbard's  process  of  tanning. 

elastic,  they  may  be  milled  first,  before  quite  dry, 
and  then  finished  with  perch,  moon-knife,  &c,  the 
same  as  in  oil  dressing,  but  without  any  oil. 

In  order  to  tan  hides  or  skins  with  fur,  hair,  or 
wool  on,  they  must  first  be  washed  thoroughly  clean 
in  a  weak  potash  ley,  or  in  soft  soap  and  water  (care 
being  taken  not  to  keep  them  in  so  long  as  to  start  or 
loosen  the  fur,  &c.,)  then  flesh  and  break  them ; 
rinse  in  clean  soft  water,  then  tan  them  in  composi- 
tion No.  2.  To  make  white  leather,  sumac  should 
be  used  in  making  composition  No.  2.  What  I  claim 
and  desire  to  secure  by  Letters  Patent,  is,  first,  the 
process  of  removing  the  hair  and  wool  from  hides 
and  skins,  and  of  liming  them,  so  called,  preparatory 
to  tanning  by  the  use  of  a  composition  of  lime,  wood 
ashes  or  potash,  and  of  salt,  called  Composition  No. 
1,  in  the  manner  above  described. 

I  also  claim  the  use  of  a  composition  of  lime  and 
wood  ashes  or  potash,  without  the  salt,  but  I  do  not 
claim  either  of  these  materials  separately  by  itself. 

Second,  I  claim  the  process  of  tanning  hides  and 
skins  by  the  use  of  any  kind  of  tannin,  in  combina- 
tion either  with  the  muriatic  acid  of  commerce,  or 
with  muriatic  acid  generated  by  a  mixture  of  sul- 
phuric acid  and  salt  in  water,  with  the  tannin,  in  the 
manner  substantially  as  above  described. 


CHAPTER  V. 


TANNING  PROCESSES. 

More  than  one  hundred  tanning  processess  have 
been  patented  in  the  United  States  and  Europe,  and 
the  cry  is,  "  still  they  come."  New  methods,  and 
new  works  upon  old  methods  are  constantly  present- 
ing themselves.  The  London  Mechanics'  Magazine 
states  that  an  important  improvement  in  the  tanning 
of  skins  and  hides  has  recently  been  introduced  into 
that  country  by  M.  Funcke,  a  practical  tanner  and 
currier,  of  Herdecke,  Westphalia.  It  consists  in  coun- 
teracting a  too  rapid  action  of  the  tannic  acid  upon 
the  surface  of  the  skins.  The  mode  of  operation  is 
as  follows : — 

The  unhaired  skins  or  hides  are  first  passed  through 
a  weak  liquor  of  the  soda  of  commerce,  then  hung  up 
to  dry.  They  are  then  steeped  in  a  common  oak, 
hemlock,  or  other  tanning  liquor  of  the  common 
strength,  to  which  has  been  added  some  vinegar. 
In  this  liquor  the  pores  of  the  skin  are  opened,  and 
thus  the  tannic  acid  is  admitted  to  the  interior.  The 
next  tannic  liquor  in  which  the  skins  are  steeped  is 
made  a  littla  stronger  with  the  bark,  also  some  more 

3  1  7 


318 


TANNING  PROCESSES. 


vinegar,  and  a  little  dissolved  sugar  is  added.  The 

succeeding  liquors  to  which  the  hides  are  subjected, 
until  they  are  finished,  do  not  differ  from  those  in 
common  use.  The  vinegar  being  a  vegetable  acid, 
unites  with  the  alkali  of  the  soda  in  the  hides,  and 
its  carbonic  acid  is  set  free  in  the  pores  of  the  skin  ; 
this  expands  them,  and  allows  the  tannin  admission 
to  the  centre  of  the  hides  in  the  first  tanning  liquor. 
The  sugar  in  the  second  tannin  liquor,  unites  with 
the  vinegar,  and  forms  a  tannin  mixture,  it  is  said, 
which  is  of  a  softening  character,  imparting  elasticity 
to  the  leather.  The  strength  of  the  soda  ley  used  to 
steep  the  hides  in  the  first  stage,  is  not  above  1°  — 
very  weak  —  and  a  very  small  quantity  of  vinegar  is 
sufficient  for  the  purpose  stated.  Any  other  vegeta- 
ble acid  may  be  used  in  place  of  the  vinegar,  but  it 
is  the  cheapest. 

The  expanding  of  the  pores  of  hides  and  skins  by 
generating  a  gas  in  the  tanning  liquor  by  the  agency 
of  the  carbonate  of  soda  and  an  acid,  such  as  sulphu- 
ric and  muriatic,  is  not  new.  It  has  been  tried  in 
this  country,  and  is  known  by  the  name  of  the  "  Hib- 
bard  process." 

THE  PRELLER  PROCESS. 

This  discovery  and  application  is  highly  approved 
of  in  London. 

After  the  hides  or  skins  are  unhaired  in  the  usual 
manner,  they  undergo  a  partial  drying,  and  receive 
a  uniform  coating  of  a  peculiar  pa^tc  composed  of 
various  vegetable  and  saline  substances.  The  vege- 
table substances  employed  contain  a  large  proportion 


TANNING  PROCESSES. 


319 


of  starch,  such  as  barley,  rice,  or  wheat  flour,  a  little 
gluten,  some  butter,  or  oil  and  grease,  some  common 
salt,  and  some  saltpetre.  The  hides  are  laid  upon 
tables  and  smeared  on  the  fleshy  side,  with  the  said 
paste,  and  in  that  state  are  put  into  the  interior  of 
large  drums,  which  receive  a  rotary  motion,  and  by 
which,  the  hides  are  greatly  agitated,  and  the  paste 
(by  pegs  in  the  inside  of  the  drums),  is  forced  into 
the  pores  of  the  hides  or  skins,  or  rather  they  are 
kneaded  along  with  the  paste  for  two  or  three  hours, 
after  which  they  are  drawn  out.  They  are  then 
found  to  be  in  a  partial  dry  state,  then  hung  up  and 
aired  for  two  hours,  and  again  laid  upon  the  table, 
where  they  receive  another  dose  of  the  same  paste, 
and  are  again  returned  to  the  drums  a  second  time, 
when  the  same  operation  as  that  described  is  again 
performed.  After  this  they  receive  a  third  smearing 
with  the  paste,  and  are  kneaded  in  the  drums,  after 
which  they  are  taken  out  and  hung  up  to  dry,  and 
are  then  fit  for  the  currying  process.  The  leather 
thus  produced  is  stated  to  be  much  lighter  than  that 
produced  by  oak  or  other  tan  barks,  but  is  much 
stronger  and  will  wear  much  better.  It  is  asserted 
that  for  machinery  bands  it  is  twice  as  strong  as  oak- 
tanned  leather,  and  that  sheep  and  goat  skins  are 
rendered  very  tough  and  durable.  It  is  said  that  calf 
skins  are  tanned  by  this  process  in  about  three  hours, 
and  the  thickest  ox-hide  in  three  days. 

In  noticing  thisjprocess  the  "  Scientific  American  " 
remarked  as  follows  :  — 

We  are  not  aware  that  any  such  process  for  tan- 
ning is  described  in  any  work  on  the  subject^  or  has 


320 


TANNING  PROCESSES. 


been  practiced  in  our  country.  It  is  our  opinion  that 
it  may  make  excellent  uppers  for  boots  and  shoes, 
but  not  so  good  sole  leather  as  oak  bark.  It  is  stated 
that  the  brains  of  animals  is  also  used  in  the  paste, 
and  that  the  salt  and  nitre  are  only  employed  to  pre- 
serve the  animal  and  greasy  matters  from  putrefac- 
tion. The  process  has  some  resemblance  to  that 
employed  by  many  tribes  of  our  Indians  for  tanning 
their  skins  for  moccasins  and  other  purposes.  They 
use  the  brains  of  animals,  mixed  with  ley  hiade  of 
the  wood  ashes  of  their  'fires,  and  knead  the  skins 
and  rub  them  with  the  pasty  mass,  upon  the  same 
principle  as  that  employed  in  the  "  Preller  process. " 
When  the  tanning  of  the  skins  is  completed  accord- 
ing to  their  notions,  they  are  finished  by  drying  them, 
or  rather  smoking  them,  in  a  pit  in  the  ground, 
which  is  covered  with  bark  and  some  earth.  We 
have  seen  very  good  brown  leather  made  by  this  pro- 
cess. We  are  not  able  to  give  the  exact  proportions 
of  the  paste  used  by  Preller,  but  this  does  not  make 
much  matter,  for  some  of  our  tanners  can  surely 
make  up  a  paste  with  flour,  ox  brains,  and  oil  or 
grease,  <fcc,  and  give  it  a  fair  trial,  by  kneading  a 
skin  or  two  in  a  tub,  with  a  beetle,  so  as  to  test  the 
principle  of  the  process.  There  is  nothing  like  giving 
everything  (unless  it  is  manifestly  absurd)  which  is 
set  forth  as  an  improvement,  a  fair  trial,  and  Tthis  is 
the  reason  why  we  have  presented  the  foregoing 
information,  in  order  that  it  maj^be  tested  by  some 
of  our  tanners  to  see  whether  it  has  any  merit  or 
not. 


TANNING  PROCESSES, 


321 


TANNING  BUCKSKIN. 

We  present  the  following  simple  process  for  pre- 
paring buckskin. 

The  Indians  have  long  been  distinguished  for 
making  an  exceedingly  good  and  durable  buckskin. 

One  day  a  friend  of  ours  (one  of  the  best  practical 
tanners  and  leather  dressers  in  the  United  States) 
watched  with  great  earnestness,  the  mode  by  which 
the  squaws  dressed  their  deer  skins.  Hs  observed 
that  they  used  the  brains  of  the  deer  mixed  along 
with  ley  made  of  wood  ashes  forming  a  kind  of  soap. 
This  solution  was  rubbed  on  the  skins,  allowing  them 
to  dry  at  each  operation  —  two  or  three  times,  until 
the  skins  were  completely  saturated  with  the  solution. 
After  this  the  skins  were  smoked,  the  same  as  hams, 
in  a  pit  dug  in  the  ground.  The  idea  suggested  itself 
to  our  friend,  that  there  was  no  use  of  wanting  shoes 
when  there  were  plenty  of  deer  killed  1  but  from  a 
distance  in  the  woods  they  could  not,  and  were  not  ac- 
customed to  bring  the  brains  of  the  animal ;  but  a 
remedy  was  at  hand ;  he  knew  that  soap  was  the  same 
composition,  as  that  used  by  the  Indians  in  tanning, 
and  he  had  plenty  of  that. 

After  the  skins  were  properly  prepared,  a  strong 
solution  of  warm  yellow  soap  was  made  up,  in  which 
they  were  handled  until  cold  ;  they  were  then  dried 
and  went  through  the  same  process  until  the  practical 
tradesman  saw  that  they  were  made  into  leather ; 
when  they  were  afterwards  smoked  in  the  manner  of 
the  Indians.  From  these  operations  an  excellent 
buckskin  was  made,  which  through  the  drenching  of 
rains  and  the  frequent  immersions  in  the  swamps  and 
14* 


/ 


822  TANNING  PROCESSES. 

everglades,  retained  its  pristine  softness  and  qualities. 
Thus,  in  the  wilds  of  Florida,  a  scientific  tradesman 
applied  his  knowledge  and  art,  in  a  manner  for  which 
many  had  reason  to  be  thankful.  In  such  situations 
the  mechanic  rises  far  above  the  philosopher. 

NEW  METHOD  OP  TANNING. 

A  process  was  discovered  in  Rochester,  New  York, 
in  1850,  by  which  leather  could  be  tanned  in  the 
short  space  of  two  hours.  This  is  a  "  fast  age,"  and 
"  wonders"  are  now  every-day  occurrences.  Former- 
ly it  required  fifteen  months  to  properly  tan  and  finish 
leather.  The  leather  here  referred  to,  was  tanned 
by  the  "Journeymen  Shoemakers  Association"  of 
Rochester. 

If  this  discovery  is  all  that  it  is  stated  to  be  (  of 
which  we  have  some  doubts  ),  viz.,  to  make  leather 
equal  to  the  French,  in  such  a  short  time,  it  must  be 
one  of  the  most  valuable  discoveries  of  the  age.  As 
the  process,  however,  is  not  laid  down  in  black  and 
white,  every  man  is  justified  in  suspecting  its  reality. 
A  new  process,  however  has  come  into  our  possession 
lately,  which  is  said  to  tan  leather  better  and  in  less 
time  than  by  the  old  process.  We  give  it  for  what  it 
is  worth.  Those  in  the  art  can  make  experiments  for 
themselves  —  the  only  way  to  test  its  merits.  Three 
liquors  are  made  up,  1st.  One  made  of  20  pounds  of 
alum,  and  20  of  the  sulphate  of  potash,  and  ten  of  the 
muriate  of  soda,  all  dissolved  in  warm  water.  2d, 
100  pounds  of  catechu,  dissolved.  3d.  4  pounds  of 
alum,  2  lbs  of  the  muriate  of  soda,  dissolved.  For  a 
hundred  calf  skins  in  a  vat  of  sufficient  size,  put  one 


TANNING  PROCESSES. 


323 


fifth  of  No.  1  ;  viz.,  4  pounds  of  the  alum  and  potash 
and  2  of  the  muriate  of  soda,  (  common  salt )  —  then 
add  one-tenth  of  the  No.  2  solution,  and  one  fourth 
of  Mo.  3.  With  this  mixed  solution  enough  of  water 
is  put  into  the  vat  to  cover  the  100  skins  and  the  tem- 
perature is  kept  up  so  as  the  hand  can  bear  it  well. 
Men  with  poles  rounded  at  their  ends  stir  the  skins 
for  about  one  hour,  when  they  are  taken  out.  They 
are  then  placed  in  another  vat  of  the  same  kind  of 
solution,  and  the  same  strength,  and  stirred  frequent- 
ly for  about  three  hours,  and  let  stand  till  next  morn- 
ing. They  are  then  removed,  and  one  fifth  of  No.  L 
mixture,  and  one-fifth  of  No.  2  added,  when  the  skins 
are  returned  to  the  vat,  stirred  frequently,  and  drip- 
ped every  day  for  five  days,  when  all  the  liquors  of  the 
solutions  should  be  taken  up,  and  about  20  pounds 
more  of  dissolved  catechu  is  to  be  added.  The  skins 
are  to  be  tried  frequently,  and  more  catechu  is  to  be 
added  if  necessary,  and  at  the  end  of  four  or  five 
weeks  the  operations  will  be  completed. 

dexter's  process  of  tanning. 

A  few  years  since,  Mr.  J.  D.  Dexter,  of  Albany,  N. 
Y.,  discovered  a  process  of  tanning,  which  he  claims 
to  be  an  important  improvement.  The  main  feature 
of  the  invention  consists  in  a  compound  of  chemicals, 
by  which  not  only  time,  money  and  labor  are  saved, 
but  the  leather  thus  prepared,  possesses  more  strength 
than  that  manufactured  in  the  old  way.  This  com- 
pound is  called  "  Dexter's  Electric  Process." 

A  sheep,  calf,  goat  or  deer  skin  is  taken  in  a  green 
state,  and  in  from  eight  to  ten  days  it  is  manufactured 


324 


TANNING  PROCESSES. 


into  leather  and  is  ready  for  market.  From  four  to 
six  days  are  consumed  in  preparing  a  skin  for  tan- 
ning, in  the  removal  of  the  wool,  hair,  &c;  it  is  then 
thrown  into  a  tub,  and  washed  in  three  chemical  pre- 
parations, which  takes  from  one  to  two  minutes  ;  it  is 
then  taken  out  and  dried,  and  in  twenty-four  or  forty- 
eight  hours  after  it  is  taken  from  the  tub  it  is  ready  for 
market.  The  time  occupied  in  drying  depends  much 
upon  the  weather  ;  but  after  it  is  thoroughly  dried  it 
can  be  finished  in  about  twenty  minutes  or  half  an 
hour.  Under  the  old  system  of  tanning,  it  takes  from 
three  to  four  weeks  to  prepare  the  skin,  and  from 
three  to  six  months  to  bark  tan  and  finish  it. 

By  the  discovery  of  this  new  process,  a  skin  is  con- 
verted into  leather,  in  as  many  days  as  it  takes 
months  to  bark  tan,  and  besides,  it  is  not  only  strong- 
er and  more  durable,  but  the  leather  is  made  water- 
proof. They  can  manufacture  sheep-skins  by  this 
process,  into  leather,  in  six  or  eight  days,  which  not 
only  resembles  calf-skin,  but  for  boots  and  shoes  it  is 
preferred  by  those  who  have  worn  them,  on  account 
of  its  being  more  durable,  and  softer  than  calf  manu- 
factured in  the  old  way.  By  this  method  of  tanning, 
there  is  a  great  saving.  One  hundred  sheep-skins  can 
be  tanned  for  37  to  50  cents,  while  to  bark  tan  them 
would  incur  an  expense  of  at  least  $6. 

Patent  leather  is  manufactured  out  of  sheep-skins, 
which  is  said  to  be  more  durable  and  less  liable  to 
crack  than  that  made  of  bark-tanned  leather. 


TANNING  PROCESSES.  325 
PAIR  LEATHER.* 

This  leather,  used  for  the  soles  of  ladies'  shoes,  is 
made,  preferably,  from  hides  tanned  with  Spanish 
oak.  After  having  been  soaked  and  scoured,  they  are 
separately  spread  upon  a  clean  table  and  sponged  on 
the  grain  side  with  the  following  mixture,  reduced  by 
dilution  with  water. 

The  proportions  for  nine  and  a  half  pints,  which  is 
the  quantity  required  for  twenty-five  sides,  are 


Crystalized  Chloride  of  Tin,   ....  8  oz. 

Muriatic  Acid,  free  from  Iron,   4  fluid  oz. 

•    Sulphurized  Ether,  8    "  " 

Alcohol,  \  32    "  " 

Water,  40    "  " 


The  tin  salt  is  placed  in  a  blue  stone  jar,  with  the 
acid,  and  the  whole  is  stirred  until  perfect  solution  is 
effected.  The  ether,  alcohol  and  water  are  then  ad- 
ded and  stirred  in  successively. 

This  process,  patented  by  Prof.  J.  C.  Booth,  of 
Philadelphia,  is  founded  strictly  upon  scientific  prin- 
ciples. The  tin,  salt  and  acid,  are  the  bleaching 
agents,  while  the  alcohol,  ether  and  water  are  dilut- 
ents  as  well  as  protectives  against  any  destructive 
agent  of  the  former.  Its  whitening  effect  extends 
throughout  the  hide,  and  is  not  limited  merely  to  the 
surface.  After  the  application  of  the  liquor,  the 
leather  is  oiled,  dressed  and  rolled,  as  in  the  usual 
currying  process. 

This  mixture  is  not  applicable  to  leather  tanned 
with  black  oak-bark,  as  it  colors  it  yellow. 

*  Morfit's  Theory,  Chapter  L. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


PATENTS  FOR  TANNING. 

The  following  described  processes  for  Tanning 
have  been  patented  at  different  periods  since  1849. 

The  first  may  be  denominated  Hibbard's  patent, 
issued  to  Mr.  Hibbard,  of  Henrietta,  N.  Y. 

A  patent  for  a  modified  process  in  tanning  leather, 
which  is  specially  applicable  to  light  skins,  but  may 
be  used  in  all  kinds  of  tanning. 

The  gist  of  the  invention  consists  first,  in  a  modi- 
fied process  of  unh airing  the  skins,  by  a  composition 
of  lime,  potash  and  salt,  by  which  the  process  is  very 
much  shortened ;  and  secondly,  by  combining  what 
is  called  the  process  of  plumping  with  that  of  tanning. 
It  is  alleged  by  the  patentee  that  the  process  of 
plumping,  which  consists  in  the  use  of  acids,  to  open 
the  pores  of  the  skins,  is  like  that  of  rising  dough  by 
yeast ;  namely,  that  after  the  pores  have  once  been 
fairly  opened,  if  the  tanning  process  is  not  com- 
menced immediately,  they  will  soon  begin  to  close ; 
as  dough  once  raised,  if  not  transferred  at  the  proper 
time  to  the  oven  to  be  baked,  will  fall,  and  an  inferior 
bread  will  be  the  result. 

326 


PATENTS  FOR  TANNING. 


327 


The  process  of  tanning  therefore,  as  set  forth  by 
the  inventor,  consists  in  the  combination  of  the 
plumping  and  the  tanning  process,  so  that  as  soon  as 
the  acids  have  acted  to  open  the  pores  of  the  skins, 
the  tannin  present  in  the  liquor,  shall  enter  and  per- 
form its  part  in  the  operation. 

The  next  may  be  described  as  Towle's  process,  or 
improvement  in  tanning.    Issued  Oct.  7, 1851. 

What  I  claim  as  my  invention  or  discovery,  as  a 
new  and  useful  improvement,  and  desire  to  secure  by 
letters  patent,  is  the  use  of  arsenic  or  arseneous  acid, 
substantially  in  the  manner  and  for  the  purposes 
herein  set  forth  ;  the  peculiar  properties  of  arsenic, 
by  which  it  tends  to  suspend  the  natural  tendency 
of  the  animal  fibre  to  decomposition  upon  the  extinc- 
tion of  animal  life,  are  well  known,  and  of  course 
they  are  not  patentable  ;  but  their  application  to  the 
processes  of  tanning,  and  otherwise  preparing  skins 
and  hides  for  useful  purposss,  by  which  they  are  ren- 
dered stronger  and  more  durable,  is  believed  not  to 
have  been  heretofore  known  and  used. 

I  do  not,  therefore,  intend  to  limit  my  claim  to 
any  particular  mode  or  period  of  using  the  article  ; 
but  I  shall  apply  it  in  such  form,  or  in  such  strength 
of  solution,  as  the  nature  of  the  case  may  require,  to 
effect  the  objects  named.  Workmen  should  guard 
against  the  absorbtion  of  tlie  poisonous  qualities  of 
the  arsenic,  while  immersing  or  handling  the  skins  in 
the  liquor,  by  using  tools  or  wearing  India-rubber 
gloves.  After  the  skins  are  taken  out  of  the  liquor 
and  rinsed  thoroughly,  tHe  danger  ceases. 

N.  C.  TOWLE. 


328 


PATENTS  FOR  TANNING. 


A  patent  for  the  following  method  of  tanning  was 
issued  March  22,  1853,  to  Roswell  Enos  &  Bela  T. 
Hunt,  of  St.  Charles,  111. 

We  claim  the  process  of  tanning  with  the  use  of 
lime,  salt,  bran,  sumac,  and  cutch,  or  any  other  tan- 
ning in  room  of  cutch,  substantially  in  the  manner 
described,  whereby  we  commence  tanning,  at  the 
same  time  that  we  commence  reducing,  as  the  salt 
and  bran  overpowers  the  lime,  the  tan  takes  the  place 
of  the  lime,  and  converts  the  hide  into  more  perfect 
leather,  and  in  less  time  than  can  be  made  in  any 
other  way. 

Hides  are  not  liable  to  get  damaged  by  our  pro- 
cess, as  we  do  not  use  an  article  that  is  injurious  to 
leather. 

It  is  not  on  the  materials  used  that  we  claim  let- 
ters patent,  but  on  the  manner  of  applying  them  to 
the  hide,  as  set  forth. 

The  next  is  to  Roswell  Enos.  Improvement  in 
the  process  of  tanning  leather  for  soles.  Patented 
July  18, 1854;  . 

The  improvement  and  claim  consist  in  commenc- 
ing the  tanning  operation  upon  the  sides,  by  the  use 
of  a  salted  infusion  of  sumac,  and  then  completing 
said  tanning  operation  by  the  repeated  use  of.  the 
strong  oak  or  hemlock  bark  liquor,  substantially  as 
set  forth.  It  is  stated  that  solid  sole  leather  may  be 
produced  by  this  process  in  an  unusually  short  time. 


APPENDIX. 


JENKINS  ' 
NEW  AND  IMPROVED  HEATER  AND  PRESS, 

FOR  MAKING  CEMENTED  BOOTS  AND  SHOES. 

This  "  Heater  "  is  a  new  invention  recently  intro- 
duced, to  heat  the  soles  and  shoes  of  the  most 
delicate  stock  for  cementation.  The  heat  is  applied 
only  to  the  cemented  surfaces,  which  require  uniting. 
This  process  prevents  the  hardening  and  contracting 
of  the  sole  leather  and  uppers.  The  old  "  cooking  " 
process  greatly  damaged  the  stock,  and  frequently 
spoiled  it  utterly,  as  it  was  simply  a  matter  of  pure 
luck  whether  the  stock  was  heated  to  a  proper  degree 
or  crisped  by  over-heating.  This  "  Heater  "  can  be 
regulated  to  the  exact  degree  of  heat  desired.  They 
are  manufactured  in  a  portable  form  for  such  as  wish 
to  do  a  limited  business.  The  heat  from  a  single 
lamp,  or  hot  water,  or  steam  can  be  used. 

Jenkins*  Press,  patented  Sept.  7,  1858,  is  designed 
to  hold  every  description  of  shoes  and  soles,  in  their 
proper  position,  while  being  pressed  and  cooled.  The 

32  9 


320 


APPENDIX. 


thinnest  soles  and  taps,  double-soles  or  welts,  from  the 
finest  ladies'  shoes  to  coarse  brogans  or  kip  boots 
are  held  firmly  by  this  Press.  They  are  cooled  in 
a  very  short  time  and  receive  equal  pressure  on  the 
bottom  of  the  shoe  or  its  edges,  together  with  the 
clamping  apparatus  holding  the  shoe,  soles  and  stock. 
The  Press  can  also  be  used  as  a  "  Heater  "  when  de- 
sired, by  filling  the  base  containing  the  water  for  cool- 
ing the  shoe,  with  hot  air,  steam,  or  hot  water,  thus 
securing  all  the  heat  that  is  required  for  -melting  the 
cement,  and  for  uniting  the  various  parts  of  the 
shoe.  The  shoe  can  then  be  placed  in  a  cold  water- 
press  and  cooled.  It  is  then  ready  for  the  finisher. 
By  the  use  of  this  Press,  all  outer  soles,  middle  soles, 
lifts,  &c,  &c,  may  be  cut  with  dies ;  this  process  is 
of  obvious  advantage  to  the  manufacturer,  as  all  thin 
or  thick  soles  will  not  require  paring  off,  or  may  have 
their  edges  finished  before  they  are  put  on,  thus  pre- 
venting all  cutting  of  the  uppers  in  paring  off,  which 
item  is  of  great  importance  to  the  manufacturer. 


VALUABLE  AND  RELIABLE  RECIPES 

FOR 

GUTTA-PERCHA  Aj\tD   INDIA-RUBBER  CEMENT, 

FOR  BOOTS  AND  SHOES.  ALSO, 
VARNISHES,  GUMS  AND  GLUES. 


The  following  highly  important  recipes  have  been 
arranged  and  selected  with  great  care.  Some  of 
them  are  original  discoveries,  the  result  of  personal 
test  and  application,  and  are  entirely  reliable.  Others 
have  been  compiled  from  the  highest  sources,  and  are 
submitted  with  full  confidence  in  their  virtues.  The 
cements  for  boots  and  shoes  of  India-rubber  and 
gutta-percha  are  of  great  practical  utility,  and  the 
information  we  thus  furnish  we  regard  as  almost 
invaluable  to  the  boot  and  shoe  manufacturer.  The 
varnishes  are  also  equally  important,  and  may  be 
relied  upon  as  the  best  yet  discovered.  The  Water- 
Proof  Cement  and  Glues  are  simple  in  their  ingre- 
dients and  easily  prepared. 

Bisulphuret  of  Carbon  is  remarkable  for  its  great 
solvent  powers,  readily  dissolving  substances  which 
no  other  fluid  can  so  effectually  influence,  such  as  sul- 
phur, phosphorus,  iodine,  etc.  It  has,  however,  a  fetid 
odor,  and  is  inflammable,  burning  with  a  blue  flame. 
It  lias  been  used  as  a  solvent  of  India-rubber,  but  for 

331 


332 


APPENDIX. 


the  common  cements  of  rubber  and  gutta-percha  the 
triple  refined  camphene  is  preferable.  The  rubber 
cement  has  long  been  used  for  cementing  shoes  in 
Lynn,  Roxbury,  and  other  large  shoe  manufacturing 
towns  in  Massachusetts.  It  is  easily  made,  by  dissolv- 
ing it  in  pure  camphene  and  grinding  it  in  a  paint  mill ; 
many  manufacturers  mix  it  in  large  portions  of  lamp- 
black, sulphur,  zinc  and  charcoal.  The  charcoal  is  re- 
markable for  its  indestructibility,  resisting  the  most 
intense  heat  ;~the  fact  is,  that  the  more  carbon  an 
organized  body  contains,  so  much  the  less  liable 
is  it  to  decomposition,  it  is  for  this  reason  that  it  is 
by  some  regarded  as  much  better  than  lampblack, 
for  rubber  cements.  It  is  ground  into  the  rubber  in 
large  quantities,  making  a  paint  or  mixture  of  any 
required  tenacity.  The  Bogarbus  eccentric  rubber 
mill  is  most  commonly  used  for  grinding  rubber 
cements  for  shoes,  or  for  spreading  upon  cloth. 
Rubber  cements  are  only  good  for  cementing  shoes 
when  the  stock  is  perfectly  free  from  oil  or  grease, 
and  kept  free  from  such  contact ;  a  condition  which 
is  hardly  possible.  All  oleaginous  substances  are 
sure  to  decompose  rubber  in  all  its  common  prepar- 
ations, vulcanized  or  not.  Gutta-percha  cements,  on 
the  contrary,  are  not  easily  affected  by  oleaginous 
substances,  unless  too  much  heat  is  used  in  perfecting 
the  union  of  the  various  parts  of  a  boot  or  shoe. 
Calf  skins  are  frequently  "  stuffed  "  to  full,  thus 
causing  the  grease  to  mix  with  the  cement  when  first 
applied  in  a  heated  state.  To  prevent  this  result, 
use  proper  care  in  the  application  of  the  cement ; 
see  that  it  is  not  too  hot,  also  be  careful  that  the 
shoe  itself  is  not  too  hot.    These  precautions  well 


APPENDIX. 


observed,  will  result  in  a  cementation  which  will  resist 
the  oil  in  the  leather  until  it  is  completely  worn  out. 

Gutta-percha  cement  is  made  by  dissolving  it 
in  triple  refined  camphene.  Take  from  four  to  five 
times  its  weight  of  camphene,  place  it  into  a  common 
glue  kettle,  boil  it  on  a  stove,  or  by  a  gas  or  spirit 
lamp,  as  is  most  convenient ;  always  keeping  the 
water  around  the  vessel  to  prevent  ignition ;  boil 
until  it  is  completely  dissolved,  then  strain  it,  if  it  is 
required,  and  it  is  ready  for  use.  Always  apply  the 
cement  warm.  If  too  thick  to  spread  easily  with  ar 
brush,  reduce  it  with  camphene.  Heat  and  mix  by 
stirring  the  compound  well  together. 


A  HARD  BRILLIANT  BLACK  VARNISH  FOR  BOOT  AND  SHOE 
EDGES  AND  HEELS. 

Take  three  ounces  shellac,  one  ounce  sandarach, 
reduce  them  to  a  coarse  powder,  add  one  half  ounce 
of  lampblack,  place  them  in  a  glass  vessel,  into  which 
pour  a  pint  and  a  half  of  the  best  alcohol ;  cork 
tight,  and  frequently  shake  the  vessel  to  hasten  solu- 
tion. This  varnish  will  retain  its  brilliancy  for  years. 
It  may  be  spread  with  a  sponge  or  brush.  When  it 
is  used  for  upper  leather  add  half  a  pint  of  alcohol 
and  one  ounce  of  turpentine  or  an  ounce  of  gum- 
mastic. 

By  adding  a  small  portion  of  sandarach  varnish  to 
the  common  sponge  blacking  it  will  make  it  brilliant 
and  hard.  By  adding  a  small  portion  India-rubber 
dissolved  in  triple  refined  camphene  it  renders  the 
blacking  elastic  and  water-proof,  and  useful  for  boot 
and  shoe  uppers,  etc. 


334 


APPENDIX. 


Asphaltum  is  a  smooth,  hard,  brittle,  black  sub- 
stance, which  breaks  with  a  polish,  melts  easily  when 
heated,  and,  when  pure,  burns  without  leaving  any 
ashes.  It  makes  a  cheap  and  brilliant  varnish  for 
boot  and  shoe  heels,  by  dissolving  it  in  triple  refined 
camphene.  It  should  be  made  thick  so  as  to  spread 
with  the  finger  or  a  brush. 

India-rubber  has  been  highly  extolled  for  a  varnish. 
Dissolve  in  five  times  its  weight  of  triple  refined 
camphene.  By  keeping  it  a  few  days,  after  it  is  cut 
.fine,  then  boil  one  ounce  of  this  solution  in  eight 
ounces  of  "  drying  "  linseed  oil,  for  a  few  minutes  ; 
strain  the  solution  and  use  it  warm. 


WATER-PROOF  CEMENT. 

Take  of  the  best  glue  four  ounces,  of  isinglass 
two  ounces,  and  dissolve  them  in  mild  ale  over  a  slow 
fire,  in  a  common  glue  kettle,  to  the  consistence  of 
strong  glue,  when  one  ounce  and  a  half  of  well 
boiled  linseed  oil  must  be  gradually  added,  and  the 
whole  be  well  mixed  by  stirring.  When  cold  and 
made  into  cakes,  it  resembles  India-rubber.  When 
wanted  for  use  dissolve  a  piece  of  it  in  a  proportion- 
ate quantity  of  ale.  This  cement  is  applicable  to  all 
joints  of  wood,  to  join  earthen-ware,  china,  glass. 
It  is  an  excellent  cement  for  leather,  for  harness, 
bands  for  machinery,  &c.  The  joints  of  these  are  to 
be  prepared  as  if  for  sewing,  the  cement  to  be  applied 
hot,  laying  a  weight  upon  each  joint  as  it  is  made,  in 
which  state  it  is  to  be  left  six  hours,  when  the  joints 
will  be  found  nearly  as  firm  as  if  they  were  of  an 
entire  piece.  By  adding  a  little  tow  to  the  above, 
you  have  an  excellent  cement  for  leaks  in  casks,  &q. 


APPENDIX. 


835 


SEED-LAC  VARNISH. 

Take  three  ounces  of  seed-lac,  and  put  it,  with  a 
pint  of  spirits  of  wine,  into  a  bottle,  of  which  it  will 
not  fill  more  than  two-thirds.  Shake  the  mixture 
well  together,  and  place  it  in  a  gentle  heat,  till  the 
seed-lac  appears  to  be  dissolved  :  the  solution  will  be 
hastened  by  shaking  the  bottle  occasionally.  After 
it  has  stood  some  time,  pour  off  the  clear  part,  and 
keep  it  for  use  in  a  well-stopped  bottle. '  The  seed- 
lac  should  be  purified  before  it  is  used,  by  washing  it 
in  cold  water,  and  it  should  be  in  coarse  powder, 
when  added  to  the  spirit. 

This  varnish  is  next  to  that  of  copal  in  hardness, 
and  has  a  reddish-yellow  color  :  it  is,  therefore,  only 
to  be  used  where  a  tinge  of  that  kind  is  not  injurious. 


SHELLAC  VARNISH. 

Take  five  ounces  of  the  best  shellac,  reduce  it  to 
a  gross  powder,  and  put  it  into  a  bottle  in  a  gentle 
heat,  or  a  warm,  close  apartment,  where  it  must  con- 
tinue two  or  three  days,  but  should  be  frequently 
well  shaken.  The  lac  will  then  be  dissolved,  and  the 
•solution  should  then  be  filtered  through  a  flannel 
bag  ;  and,  when  the  portion  that  will  pass  through 
freely  is  come  off,  it  should  be  kept  for  use  in  well- 
stopped  bottles. 

The  portion  which  can  only  be  made  to  pass 
through  the  bag  by  pressure,  may  be  reserved  for 
coarse  purposes. 

Shellac  varnish  is  rather  softer  than  seed-lac 
varnish,  but  it  is  the  best  of  varnishes  for  mixing 
with  colors  to  paint  with,  instead  of  oil,  from  its 
Working  and  spreading  better  in  the  pencil. 


336 


APPENDIX. 


OF  GLUE. 

To  prepare  glue,  it  must  be  steeped  for  a  number 
of  hours,  over  night,  for  instance,  in  cold  water,  by 
which  means  it  will  become  considerably  swelled  and 
softened.  It  must  then  be  gently  boiled,  till  it  is 
entirely  dissolved,  and  of  a  consistence  not  too  thick 
to  be  easily  brushed  over  wood. 

When  glue,  by  repeatedly  heating  it,  has  become 
of  a  dark  and  almost  black  color,  its  qualities  are 
impaired  ;  when  newly  melted,  it  is  of  a  light  ruddy 
brown  color,  nearly  like  that  of  the  dry  cake  held  up 
to  the  light ;  and  while  this  color  remains,  it  may  be 
considered  fit  for  almost  every  purpose.  Though 
glue  which  has  been  melted  is  the  most  suitable  for 
use,  other  circumstances  being  the  same,  yet  that 
which  has  been  the  longest  manufactured  is  the  best. 
To  try  the  goodness  of  glue,  steep  a  piece  three  or 
four  days  in  cold  water ;  if  it  swell  considerably 
without  melting,  and  when  taken  out  resumes,  in  a 
short  time,  its  former  dryness,  it  is  excellent.  If  it 
be  soluble  in  cold  water,  it  is  a  proof  that  it  wants 
strength. 

A  glue  which  does  not  dissolve  in  water,  may  be 
obtained  by  melting  a  common  glue  with  the  smallest 
possible  quantity  of  water,  and  adding  by  degrees 
linseed  oil  rendered  drying  by  boiling  it  with  lith- 
arge ;  while  the  oil  is  added,  the  ingredients  must  be 
well  stirred  to  incorporate  them  thoroughly. 

A  glue  which  will  resist  water,  in  a  considerable 
degree,  is  made  by  dissolving  common  glue  in  skim- 
med milk. 

Finely  lixiviated  chalk  added  to  the  common  solu- 
tion of  srlue  in  water,  constitutes  an  addition  that 


APPENDIX. 


337 


strengthens  it,  and  renders  it  suitable  for  boards,  or 
other  things  which  must  stand  the  weather. 

A  glue  that  will  hold  against  fire  or  water,  may 
be  prepared  by  mixing  a  handful  of  quick-lime  with 
four  ounces  of  linseed  oil :  thoroughly  lixiviate  the 
mixture,  boil  it  to  a  good  thickness,  and  then  spread 
it  on  tin  plates  in  the  shade  ;  it  will  become  exceed- 
ingly hard,  but  may  be  dissolved  over  a  fire,  as  ordi- 
nary glue,  and  is  then  fit  for  use. 


TO  MAKE  PORTABLE  GLUE. 

Take  one  pound  of  the  best  glue,  boil  and  strain  it 
very  clear  ;  boil  likewise  four  ounces  of  isinglass,  put 
it  in  a  double  .glue-pot,  with  half  a  pound  of  fine 
brown  sugar,  and  boil  it  pretty  thick  ;  then  pour  it 
into  moulds ;  when  cold,  cut  and  dry  them  in  small 
pieces.  This  glue  is  very  useful  to  draughtsmen, 
architects,  &c,  as  it  immediately  dilutes  in  warm 
water,  and  fastens  the  paper  without  the  process  of 
damping. 

TO  MAKE  GLUE  THAT  WILL  RESIST  MOISTURE. 

Dissolve  gum  sandarach  and  mastic,  of  each  two 
ounces,  in  a  pint  of  spirit  of  wine,  adding  about  an 
ounce  of  clear  turpentine.  Then  take  equal  parts  of 
isinglass  and  parchment  glue,  made  according  to  the 
directions  in  the  preceding  article,  and  having  beaten 
the  isinglass  into  small  bits,  and  reduced  the  glue  to 
the  same  state,  pour  the  solution  of  the  gums  upon  . 
them,  and  melt  the  whole  in  a  vessel  well  covered, 
avoiding  so  great  a  heat  as  that  of  boiling  water. 
When  melted,  strain  the  glue  through  a  coarse  linen 
15 


338 


APPENDIX. 


cloth,  and  then  put  it  again  over  the  fire,  adding 
about  an  ounce  of  powdered  glass. 

This  preparation  may  be  best  managed  by  hanging 
the  vessel  in  boiling  water,  which  will  prevent  the 
matter  burning  to  the  vessel,  or  the  spirit  of  wine 
from  taking  fire,  and  indeed  it  is  better  to  use  the 
same  method  for  all  the  evaporations  of  nicer  glues 
and  sizes  ;  but,  in  that  case,  less  water  than  the  pro- 
portion directed,  should  be  added  to  the  materials. 


ANOTHER  METHOD. 

A  very  strong  glue,  that  will  resist  water,  may  be 
also  made  by  adding  half  a  pound  of  common  glue, 
or  isinglass  glue,  to  two  quarts  of  skimmed  milk,  and 
•then  evaporating  the  mixture  to  the  due  consistence 
of  the  glue. 


TO  MAKE  PARCHMENT  GLUE. 

Take  one  pound  of  parchment,  and  boil  it  in  six 
quarts  of  water,  till  the  quantity  be  reduced  to  one 
quart ;  strain  off  the  fluid  from  the  dregs,  and  then 
boil  it  again  till  it  be  of  the  consistence  of  glue. 

The  same  may  be  done  with  glovers'  cuttings  of 
leather,  which  make  a  colorless  glue,  if  not  burnt  in 
the  evaporation  of  water. 


A  VERY  STRONG  COMPOUND  GLUE. 
Take  common  glue  in  very  small  or  thin  bits,  and 
isinglass  glue  :  infuse  them  in  as  much  spirit  of  wine 
as  will  cover  them,  for  at  least  twenty-four  hours. 
Then  melt  the  whole  together,  and,  while  they  are 
over  the  fire,  add  as  much  powdered  chalk  as  will 
render  them  an  opaque  white. 


APPENDIX. 


339 


The  infusion  in  the  spirit  of  wine  has  been  directed 
in  the  recipes  given  for  glue ;  but  the  remark  on  the 
use  of  it  in  one  of  the  preceding  articles  will  hold 
good  also  in  this,  and  the  mixture  may  be  made  with 
water  only. 

TO  MAKE  COMPOUND  GLUE. 

Take  very  fine  flour,  mix  it  with  white  of  eggs, 
isinglass,  and  a  little  yeast ;  mingle  the  materials  ; 
beat  them  well  together ; 'spread  them,  the  batter 
being  made  thin  with  gum- water,  on  even  tin  plates, 
and  dry  them  in  a  stove,  then  cut  them  out  for  use. 
To  color  them,  tinge  the  paste  with  Brazil,  or  ver- 
milion for  red;  indigo  or  verditer,  &c,  for  blue; 
saffron,  turmeric,  or  gamboge,  &c,  for  yellow. 


TO  MAKE  ISINGLASS  GLUE. 

This  is  made '  by  dissolving  beaten  isinglass  in 
water  by  boiling,  and  having  strained  it  through  a 
coarse  linen  cloth,  evaporating  it  again  to  such  a  con- 
sistence, that,  being  cold,  the  glue  will  be  perfectly 
hard  and  dry. 

'  A  great  improvement  is  made  in  this  glue  by  add- 
ing spirit  of  wine  or  brandy  after  it  is  strained,  and 
then  renewing  the  evaporation  till  it  gains  the  due 
consistence. 


TO  MAKE  ISINGLASS  SIZE. 
This  may  also  be  prepared  in  the  manner  above 
directed  for  the  glue,  by  increasing  the  proportion  of 
the  water  for  dissolving  it,  and  the  same  holds  good 
of  parchment  size.    A  better  sort  of  the  common 


340 


APPENDIX. 


size  may  be  likewise  made  by  treating  cuttings  of 
glovers'  leather  in  the  same  manner. 

NEW  WATER-PROOF  CLOTH. 

According  to  a  recent  statement  of  M.  Payen, 
a  chemist  of  some  note,  cloth  is  rendered  water- 
proof by  the  aid  of  alum  and  sugar  of  lead,  with- 
out the  aid  of  India-rubber  or  gutta-percha,  or 
any  other  gums  or  oils.  The  process  given  is  very 
simple,  and  is  claimed  to  render  any  species  of  tissue 
water-proof.  61  Dissolve  two  pounds  and  a  half  of  alum 
in  four  gallons  of  water ;  dissolve,  also,  in  a  separate 
vessel,  the  same  weight  of  acetate  of  lead  in  the 
same  quantity  of  water.  When  both  are  thoroughly 
dissolved  mix  the  solutions  together,  and  when  the 
sulphate  of  lead,  resulting  from  this  mixture,  has 
been  precipitated  to  the  bottom  of  the  vessel  in  the 
form  of  a  powder,  pour  off  the  solution,  and  plunge 
into  it  the  tissue  to  be  rendered  water-proof.  Wash 
and  rub  it  well  during  a  few  minutes,  and  hang  it  in 
the  air  to  dry." 

When  dry,  the  fabric  or  cloth  so  treated  will  repel 
rain  and  moisture,  but  allow  the  air  or  perspiration 
to  pass  through  it. 

Immerse  dry  timber  in  a  strong  solution  of  alum, 
and  dry  it  in  a  kiln,  the  warmer  the  better,  and  we 
will  warrant  it  to  be  the  best  and  cheapest  substance 
for  preserving  wood  from  decay  and  burning.  To 
those  who  are  acquainted  with  the  nature  and  effects 
of  alum,  they  know  what  a  great  heat  alumina  can 
stand,  and  alum  when  deprived  of  its  water  by  strong 
heat,  does  not  easily  combine  with  it  again,  by  any 


APPENDIX. 


341 


common  means.    Therefore,  the  reasonableness  of  the 
foregoing  statements. 

By  washing  wood  with  strong  soap  suds,  allowing 
it  to  dry,  and  then  washing  it  with  a  strong  solution 
of  alum,  a  most  excellent  water-proof  coating  is  the 
result. 

Make  up  a  weak  solution  of  soap  containing  a  very 
small  quantity  of  glue,  and  immerse  paper  in  it 
until  it  is  wet  through.    Now  take  it  out,  dip  it  into  • 
a  solution  of  alum,  and  dry  it. 

The  alum,  gluten,  gelatine,  and  soap  unite  together, 
and  form  an  insoluble  compound,  which  coats  every 
fibre  of  the  textile  fabric,  and  when  dry  repels  water 
like  the  natural  oil  in  the  feathers  of  a  duck.  There 
are  various  substances  which  are  soluble  in  water 
singly,  but  when  combined  form  insoluble  compounds, 
and  vice  versa.  Alum,  soap,  and  gelatine  are  soluble 
in  water  singly,  but  form  insoluble  compounds  when 
united  chemically.  Oil  is  insoluble  in  water  singly, 
but  combined  with  caustic  soda  or  potash  it  forms 
soluble  soap.  Such  are  some  of  the  useful  curiosities 
of  chemistry. 


TO  RENDER  CANVAS  WATER-PROOF. 

Take  7  lbs.  of  soap  and  dissolve  it  in  two  gallons  of 
water,  and  while  at  the  boiling  heat  add  3  1-2  lbs.  of 
the  sulphate  of  zinc  (white  copperas).  The  sulphu- 
ric acid  of  the  salt  combines  with  the  alkali  of  the 
soap,  and  the  oxide  of  the  salt  combines  with  its  oil 
and  forms  an  insoluble  metallic  soap,  which,  when 
cold,  rises  to  the  surface  and  has  the  appearance  of 
a  white  hard  mass.    This  is  afterwards  re-boiled  to 


842 


^PPENDTX. 


purify  it.  The  next  step  to  be  taken  is  to  boil  2  1-8 
gallons  of  linseed  oil  along  with  one  pound  of  potash 
until  it  assumes  a  soapy  appearance.  The  whole  is 
now  boiled  along  with  two  pounds  of  fine  animal 
charcoal  and  five  quarts  of  water,  which  purines  the 
mixture,  after  an  hour's  boiling,  when  the  whole  is 
filtered  and  is  of  a  clear  color.  About  one  pound  of 
sugar  of  lead  (acetate)  and  one  pound  of  rosin  is 
mixed  with  the  oil,  and  boiled  for  one  hour.  Into 
this  mixture  is  stirred  at  a  boiling  heat,  2  lbs.  of  the 
metallic  soap  described  above,  and  after  it  is  dis- 
solved, about  two  quarts  of  India-rubber  dissolved  in 
turpentine  is  added,  and  this  completes  the  making 
of  the  mixture.  This  is  put  on  to  the  canvas  with  a 
brush  at  the  heat  of  160°  Fah.  Two  coats  will  be 
found  sufficient  to  make  it  water-proof.  More  how- 
ever may  be  applied.  Each  coat  should  be  allowed 
to  dry  before  the  other  is  put  on.  If  copperas  be 
employed  in  this  mixture,  it  will  make  it  of  a  brown 
color,  and  cobalt  a  blue. 

To  make  leather  water-proof,  take  equal  quantities 
of  the  metallic  soap  and  raw  linseed  oil,  mix  them 
together,  and  place  the  liquid  in  at  a  heat  of  225° 
and  suffer  it  to  cool  gradually.  The  leather  should 
be  dried  in  the  atmosphere,  when  it  will  be  perfectly 
pliable.  Any  quantity  of  the  above  may  be  made,  so 
as  the  proportions  are  maintained. 

This  is  a  first  rate  composition  for  the  purpose 
stated,  and  one  to  which  painters  should  give  peculiar 
attention,  so  should  the  manufacturers  of  glazed  and 
patent  leather. 


APPENDIX. 


343 


JAPANNING  LEATHER. 

In  November,  1838,  William  Gates,  of  Hanover, 
N.  Y.,  received  a  patent  for  preparing  and  applying 
elastic  japan  to  leather,  to  produce  the  kind  now 
known  by  the  name  of  "  glazed  leather."  Two  quarts 
of  linseed  oil  were  boiled  until  the  yellow  scum  dis- 
appeared, and  two  ounces  of  umber  and  one  of  lith- 
arge were  added  and  boiled  for  an  hour  and  a  half. 
The  fire  was  then  withdrawn,  and  all  sediment  allowed 
to  settle,  after  which  the  clear  liquor  was  run  off. 
Eight  ounces  of  India-rubber  in  shreds  were  then 
heated  in  a  close  vessel  with  two  quarts  of  turpentine, 
and  the  two  quarts  of  prepared  linseed  oil  described 
were  added,  and  the  whole  kept  boiling  until  the 
India-rubber  was  dissolved,  when  eight  ounces  of 
asphaltum  were  added.  This  constituted  the  japan 
for  the  leather.  It  was  put  on  the  leather  with  a 
sponge  or  brush  and  allowed  to  dry,  which  it  did  rap- 
idly. It  was  then  rubbed  down  with  pumice  stone, 
then  another  coat  laid  on,  and  so  on  successively,  like 
varnishing  and  polishing  mahogany  or  rosewood. 
This  method  of  japanning  leather  is  now  public  prop- 
erty. 


GUM. 

This  word  stands  for  a  number  of  substances  which, 
when  dissolved  in  suitable  liquids,  possess  a  power- 
ful adhesive  property,  and  the  common  and  well- 
know  gum-arabic  may  stand  as  a  type  of  the  class.  It 
is  the  product  of  an  acacia,  and  was  originally  im- 
ported into  Europe  from  Barbary  and  Morocco.  Ia 


344 


APPENDIX. 


its  purest  condition,  it  forms  white  or  rather  yellowish 
masses,  which  are  destitute  of  any  crystalline  struc- 
ture, and  break  with  a  shell-like  fracture.  Its  solu- 
tions are  wrongly  called  mucilage,  which  is  an  entirely 
different  substance.  Gum-arabic  dissolves  in  cold 
water,  from  which  the  pure  gummy  soluble  principle 
can  be  precipitated  by  alcohol  and  by  basic  acetate  of 
lead.  Arabin  is  composed  of  42.1  per  cent,  of  carbon, 
6.4  per  cent,  of  hydrogen,  and  51.5  per  cent,  of  oxy- 
gen, which,  by  a  curious  chemical  coincidence,  is 
exactly  the  composition  of  crystallized  cane  sugar, 
and  it  illustrates  the  fact,  that  among  organic  bodies, 
substances  of  the  same  ultimate  composition  may 
have  very  dissimilar  properties. 

Another  gum  is  mucilage,  very  abundant  in  lin- 
seed, in  the  roots  of  the  mallow,  in  salep,  and  in  the 
fleshy  roots  of  the  orchis  and  other  plants.  It  is  solu- 
ble in  cold  water,  but  is  less  transparent  than  gum- 
arabic,  and  it  is  precipitated  by  the  neutral  acetate  or 
sugar  of  lead. 

Gum  Tr.agacanth  is  chiefly  composed  of  a  kind  of 
mucilage  to  which  the  name  of  bassorin  has  been 
given,  and  which  does  not  dissolve  in  water,  but  sim-  . 
ply  assumes  a  gelatinous  aspect.  Caustic  soda  or 
potash  will  dissolve  it.  The  principle  use  to  which 
this  gum  is  put,  is  in  the  manufacture  of  marbled 
paper,  where  it  forms  the  bath  on  which  the  colors 
are  thrown,  and  from  which  they  are  taken  up  by  the 
paper. 

Cerasin  is  the  insoluble  portion  of  the  gum  of  the 
cherry  treee,  and  is  nearly  like  bassorin.  Mr.  Schmidt 
has  determined  the  composition  of  these  various  sub- 


APPENDIX. 


345 


stances,  and  has  found  them  all  more  or  less  allied  to 
starch,  invariably  containing  hydrogen  and  oxygen, 
the  proportions  in  which  they  form  water,  and  all 
when  treated  with  acids  yield  grape  sugar. 

The  jelly  of  fruits  or  pectin  is  closely  related  to  the 
gums,  but  as  yet  chemists  have  not  paid  much  atten- 
iion  to  it,  and  consequently  much  that  is  said  of  it  is 
merely  conjectural. 


GUM  ARABIC  CEMENTS. 

Gum  arabic,  dissolved  in  as  small  quantity  of 
water  as  may  be,  and  diluted  to  a  proper  consistence 
with  gin,  or  any  proof  spirits,  forms  a  very  useful 
cement  for  all  purposes  where  gum-water  is  com- 
monly used,  the  spirit  preserving  it  from  becoming 
putrescent.  As  the  spirit  evaporates,  more  should 
be  added.  It  should  be  stirred  and  mixed  together 
at  the  time  of  using.  If  plaster  of  Paris  be  added 
to  gum-water,  it  makes  a  cement  useful  to  ladies  in 
fillagree  works. 

Gum  ammoniac  added  to  the  solution  of  gum- 
arabic  in  proof  spirits  very  much  improves  the 
cement.    It  answers  very  well  for  joining  broken 
glass  and  ornamental  articles  of  porcelain. 
15* 


DIREGTO 


DIRECTORY. 


In  order  to  enable  strangers  and  merchants  from 
abroad,  as  well  as  those  residing  in  New  England,  to 
readily  find  some  of  the  leading  houses  in  Boston  rep- 
resenting the  various  branches  in  the  Boot  and  Shoe 
and  Leather  Trade,  also  some  of  its  collateral  helps,  in 
the  way  of  Important  Inventions,  Agencies,  &c,  we  have 
inserted  Advertisements  and  Cards  of  a  few  among  the 
many  that  we  know  to  occupy  highly  respectable  and 
reliable  positions.  Our  space  is  ne^sarily  limited,  and 
we  therefore  present  but  a  brief  list,  yet  sufficiently 
large  to  represent  every  important  interest,  also  some 
of  the  most  valuable  Labor-saving  Machines  and  In- 
ventions, which  are  of  great  practical  utility  to  the 
manufacturer. 


DIRECTORY. 


a 


1 IM1II1I1  leiia  W$L 


This  Soling  has  been  growing  in  favor  with  the  public  for  the  past 
few  years;  and  recommending  itself  as  it  does,  for  its 

ECONOMY,  DURABILITY  AND  COMFORT, 

and  as  a  great  preserver  of  health,  being  perfectly  WATER  PROOF, 
deserves  general  introduction  to  the  people. 

It  is  manufactured  in  sheets  about  thirty  inches  wide,  and  from  one- 
sixteenth  to  three-sixteenths  of  an  inch  thick,  suitable  for  the  thinnest 
slipper  or  the  heaviest  boot. 

Its  application  is  perfectly  simple.  Cement  for  putting  it  on,  being 
furnished  by  the  same  manufacturers. 

PRICE: 

SOLING,   65  cents  per  pound, 

CEMENT,  in  boxes,  No.  1 ,  $9.00 ;  No .  2,  $4.50 ;  No.  3,  $3.00  per  doz. 
Discount  from  the  above  prices  made  to  the  trade. 

MANUFACTURED  AND  SOLD  BY  THE 

BOSTON"   BELTING  CO., 

Corner  Summer  and  Chauncy  Sts.,  Boston. 


GK0VER  &  BAKER'S 


Jfor  Jf  atralg  String  attb  llmfadurmg, 

18  Summer  Street,  Boston;  495  Broadway,  New  York; 
730  Chestnut  Street,  Philadelphia 

From  the  very  flattering  manner  in 
which  our  Machines  have  been  received 
by  the  public,  (resulting  in  the  sale  of 
upwards  of  TWENTY  THOUSAND,) 
we  are  led  to  believe  that  our  endeavors 
to  manufacture  a  reliable  machine  have 
been  appreciated.  We  take  this  oppor- 
tunity to  remark  that  this  policy  will 
be  unchanged,  and  that  every  machine 
sold  by  us  we  shall  not  hesitate  to  war- 
rant in  every  respect. 


4 


DIRECTORY. 


AMERICAN  ELASTIC  CLOTH  CO., 


MANUFACTURERS  OF 


FOR 


GORES  IN  CONGRESS  BOOTS, 

Warranted  to  wear  as  well,  and  give  as  good  satisfaction  as  any 
other  Elastic  goods  ever  made,  and  THIRTY  PER  CENT.  CHEAPER. 


GEO.  N.  DAVIS  &  BRO., 

Nos.  152  and  151  Congress  St.,  Boston ;  and  No.  185 
William  St.,  New  York, 

Commission  lUrtbants,  mft  ilanttfattams'  Sgtnts, 

FOR  THE  SALE  OF  EVERY  DESCRIPTION  OF 

ENAMELLED  CLOTHS,  &c,  &0. 

An  Illustrated  and  Descriptive  Catalogue  sent,  on  application,  and 
receipt  of  two  Postage  Stamps. 


DIRECTORY. 


5 


HOW  BROTHERS, 


IMPORTERS  AND  DEALERS  IN 


ITALIAN  CLOTHS, 

WORSTED  LASTINGS, 

SERGE  DE  BERRIS, 

UNION  LASTINGS, 

SATIN  FRANC AIS, 

CONGRESS  RUBBER  WEB, 

BLEACHED  DRILLS. 

BROWN  DUCKS, 

BLEACHED  DUCKS, 

FRENCH  GLOVE,  CALF,  MO- 
ROCCO  AND  KID  SKINS, 

SLIPPER  PATTERNS, 


MACHINE  SILK, 

MACHINE  LINEN  THREAD, 

SILK,  LINEN   AND  COTTON 
SHOE  LACINGS, 

SATIN  RIBBONS, 

SHOE  BUTTONS, 

BLACK  AND  COLOR'D  UNION 
GALLOONS, 

EYELETS, 

ROSETTES,  ORNAMENTS, 

SLIPPER  ELASTICS, 

STANDARD  10  H.  B.  AND  3  H. 
B.  SHOE  THREAD. 


All  of  which  we  are  prepared  to  offer  to  the  trade  at  the  lowest 
market  rates. 


USTO.  11 .  PEAEL  ST., 


6 


DIRECTORY. 


>T  &  SH©i  WAREHOUSE. 


HENRY  L.  DAGGETT, 


WHOLESALE  DEALER  IN 


AND  IMPORTER  OF 

tiil  iiiiFiifiiEis  inas, 

SOLE  AGENT  FOR  THE 

Congress  Rubber  Company  Elastic  Webbing, 

FOR  GAITER  BOOTS. 

fusses!!  boots  aibo  s»o&s 

on  hand ;  a  complete  assortment  at  the  lowest  market  rates.  Jobbers 
and  Retailers  supplied  on  very  favorable  terms. 

Manufacturers  and  Dealers  will  find  at  this  Warehouse  a  com- 
plete assortment  of  goods  in  their  line  which  will  be  sold  at  the  lowest 
prices  for  CASH,  or  approved  paper. 

Consignments  solicited,  and  advances  made. 


No.  101  and  103  Pearl  Street,  Boston. 


DIRECTORY. 


7 


LIM)SLEY,  SHAW  &  CO., 


WHOLESALE  DEALERS  IN 


'9  *&mtm*jrmxsar9 

AND 


ALSO  MANUFACTURE 

Men's  Boy's  and  Youth's  Calf  Boots,  and  ti  ip 
and  Calf  Brogans  and  Oxford  Ties, 

OF  QUALITIES  ADAPTED  TO  THE  NEW  ENGLAND  RETAIL  TRADE. 


PEARL  ST.,  COR.  HIGH,  BOSTON. 

Joseph  C.  Lindsley,        Theron  V.  Shaw,  Rufus  Gibbs. 

AMOS  P.  TAPLEY, 

DEALER  IN 


OF  PRIME  QUALITY, 
FOE  THE  NEW  ENGLAND  AND  WESTERN  TRADE. 
Chambers,  Pearl,  corner  High  it,  Boston. 

HENRY    POOR    &  SON, 

ani  Stop  $m\tt%  ani  fionunissum  ^m$rd$t 

No.  84  TTorth  Street,  Boston. 

HENRY  POOR,  JOHN  O.  POOR, 

SBEX  S.  POOR ,  HENRY  C.  POOR,  ^    Q  ^ 


8 


DIRECTORY. 


MANUFACTURERS  OF 

patent  fetwlleh,  §nff  anb  %Iit  f  ta%r, 

NO.  22  DOCK  SQUARE,  BOSTON. 

L.  B.  COMINS.  F.  S.  MERRITT. 

JOHN  B.  ALLEY  &  CO., 

MANUFACTURERS  OF 

♦ 

atari,  (£namellei>,  Split  $  drain  fearer, 

COMMISSION  MERCHANTS 

FOR  THE  SALE  OF 


AND  IMPORTERS  OF 

BOOT  AND  SHOE  MANUFACTURERS'  GOODS  OF  AIL  DESCRIPTIONS, 

Nos.  168  &  170  Congress  St.,  Boston. 

JOHN   B.    ALLEY,  H.  D.  SWEETSER. 

TOWN  SEND,  MALLARD  &  COWING, 

AUCTIONEERS, 

AND    WHOLESALE   DEALERS  IN 

BOOTS,  SHOES  &  LEATHER. 
AGENTS  FOR  THE  WAX-THREAD  SEWING  MACHINE. 
Nos.  45  &  47  Pearl  St.,  Boston. 

ELMER  T0WN3END,  WARREN  MALLARD.  WALTER  H.  COWINO. 


DIRECTORY. 


9 


ATHERTON,  STETSON  &  CO., 

Pajmfattnrtrs  anb  Commission;  Plants, 


Boots,  S&oes  and  Leather, 

constantly  on  hand  and  for  sale  at  lowest  market  prices.  A.  S.  &  Co. 
are  the  authorized  AGENTS  for  New  England  States  of  the  AMER- 
ICAN ELASTIC  CLOTH  CO'S.  ELASTIC  GORING,  a  new  and 
superior  article  for 


34  FEARXi  STREET,  BOSTON. 

COCHRANE,  KIMBALL  &  DIMICK, 

§mtsm&  to  <f  ram,  (fejpte  &  €a„ 

Manufacturers  and  Wholesale  Dealers  in 


Nos.  68  &  70  Pearl  Street,  Boston. 

ANE,     /  d       •  i  t>     j        N      J.  C.  DIMICK, 

all,        c-  emerson,  Special  Partner,)    *  ^  8PALm^ 


DE3-    PACK  j^mD, 

(Formerly  Holmes  &  Packard,) 
Manufacturer  of 

goot  #  SJw,  Sole  *  %tr  £ea%*  Cutters, 

WESTBORO',  MASS. 

Altering  and  Repairing  done  at  short  notice.  Your  orders  are 
solicited. 


10 


DIRECTORY. 


S.  R.  SPAULDING  &  SON, 

pk,  j)ta%r  anb  Commission  Patents, 

"73    DE=»  3ES  jSl.  H.  Xj  STREET, 

BOSTON. 

FIELD ,   CONVERSE  &  CO., 
COMMISSION  MERCHANTS,  &  DEALERS  IN  HIDES,  LEATHER  k  OIL, 
88  &  90  North  Street,  Boston. 

J.  FIELD,  J.  W.  CONVERSE,  J.  B.  WHALL,  L.  LITCHFIELD. 

JAMES  P.  THORNDIKE, 
COMMISSION  MERCHANT,  &  DEALER  IN  HIDES,  LEATHER  k  OIL, 

93,  95  &  97  North  Street,  Boston. 

WILLIAM  TUTTLE, 

WAX,  AFRICAN  KIP,  SPLIT,  &c, 
No.  8  Blackstone  St.,  up-stairs,  Boston. 

N.  SILVESTER, 

Panufactartr  of  §oot  atto  j%e  flattens, 

In  all  the  different  styles  of  this  and  other  markets. 

Manufacturers  or  others  sending  styles  will  please  send  the  largest 
size  of  the  set  wanted.  All  patterns  made  from  my  standards,  of 
which  I  have  thousands,  will  be  warranted  to  give  satisfaction;  if  not, 
they  may  be  exchanged  for  any  other  kind ,  if  they  are  returned  in 
good  condition,  and  in  a  reasonable  time.  Please  give  me  a  Call 
at 

No.  8  Blackstone  Street,  Boston. 

Terms — Cash  on  Delivery.  Manufacturers  and  others  sending  by 
Expressmen  for  Patterns,  will  please  remember  my  terms. 


DIRECTORY. 


11 


h 


EXPRESSLY  FOR 


I.ADJ).  WEBSTER  &  CO. 

Desire  to  call  the  attention  of  all  who  have  occasion  to  sew  Leather, 
to  their  very  superior  SEWING  MACHINES,  intended  expressly  for 
tkcft  use.  All  the  new  valuable  impi-ovenients  have  been  added  to 
make  the  Sewing  Machine  sold  by  them  the  best,  and  in  every  respect 
mos*  satisfactory  of  all  that  are  adapted  to  manufacturer's  purposes. 
They  make  a  strong  lock  stitch  that  cannot  be  Ravelled  or  Pulled 
Out.  They  stitch  Alike  on  Both  Sides  of  the  work,  without 
forming  ridges  underneath.  They  are  Perfectly  Simple,  and  the 
monagement  of  them  easily  acquired. 

Any  spool  of  Cotton,  Thread  or  Silk  sold  at  the  stores,  may  be  used 
without  re-winding. 

LAUD,  WEBSTER  k  (Vs. 

FAMILY 

111  Setoing  itafftiius, 

Are  Unrivalled  for  Sim- 
plicity, Durability, 
Beauty  and  ease 
of  Operation. 

Let  Manufacturers,  Plant- 
ers, Farmers,  Housekeep- 
ers, or  any  other  persons 
in  search  of  an  instrument 
to  execute  any  kind  of  sew- 
ing now  done  by  machin- 
ery, make  sure  they  secure 
the  best,  by  examining  oura 
before  purchasing. 

SUCCESSORS  TO  HUNT,  WEBSTER  &  CO., 
C  or.  Essex  &  Lincoln  St*.,  Boston i  469  Broadway,  N.  Y, 


12 


DIRECTORY. 


MOSES    HUNT    &  CO., 

AGENTS  FOR  THE  SALE  OF 

A.  RICHARDSON'S  PATENT  UNION 

leather  ufkwrmm  mmmmm9 

Also,  Dealers  in  Leather,  Tanners'  and  Curriers'  Tools,  &c, 

No.  60  Blackstone  St.,  Boston,  &  36  Spruce  St.,  New  York. 

LEATHER  CUTTING  MACHINES. 


THE  SUBSCRIBERS  CONTINUE  TO  MANUFACTURE 

Sole  Cutting  and  Stripping  Machines, 

with  all  the  latest  improvements,  which  they  warrant  on  all  kinds  of 
work.  These  machines  have  been  thoroughly  tested,  and  have  been 
preferred,  in  every  case,  over  all  others  in  use,  as  they  do  not  get  out 
of  order,  or  break  down,  are  easily  managed,  cut  quicker,  and  with 
less  noise  than  any  other. 

Orders  by  mail,  with  suitable  reference  in  Lynn  or  Boston,  promptly 
attended  to.    Full  instructions  to  operate  sent  with  every  machine. 

Second  Hand  Machines,  in  good  order,  for  sale  cheap.  All  kinds 
of  Machines  repaired,  and  satisfaction  guaranteed. 


KNOX  &  DITCH  BIT  R  N. 

8  Market  Street,  Lynn,  Mass. 


DIRECTORY. 


IS 


CIRCULAR. 


This  Association,  recently  formed,  desire  to  acquaint  the  public 
with  the  causes  which  resulted  in  the  combination  known  by  the  style 
of  the  "  Goodyear  Shoe  Association." 

During  the  years  1857  and  1858,  tbe  financial  crisis  was  keenly  felt 
by  the  India  Rubber  Shoe  interest,  in  common  with  other  branches  of 
trade.  The  troubles  experienced  by  the  manufacturers  of  Rubbers 
were  greatly  enhanced  from  the  non-uniformity  in  prices  and  dis- 
counts, between  the  various  agencies.  This  absence  of  a  regular 
tariff  was  productive  of  distrust  in  the  purchasers  and  great  embar- 
rassment in  the  trade. 

Some  method  of  action  whereby  these  disturbing  causes  and  effects 
could  be  reconciled,  and  harmony  of  action,  and  confidence  in  the 
stability  of  the  prices  asked  for  goods  be  restored,  was  deemed  of  the 
utmost  importance. 

To  this  end  the  several  legalized  Companies  in  the  United  States, 
manufacturing  Boots  and  Shoes  under  Goodyear's  Patent,  agreed 
upon  a  basis  of  action,  and  effected  a  consolidation,  the  principal 
points  of  which  are  — 

First.  The  establishment  of  two  branch  agencies,  through  one  or 
the  other  of  which  all  goods  manufactured  by  the  Companies  must 
pass. 

Second.  By  limiting  the  manufacture  of  goods  so  that  the  market 
shall  not  be  overstocked ;  but,  so  far  as  can  be  arrived  at,  the  supply 
and  demand  shall  be  equal. 

Third.  The  establishment  of  a  uniform  tariff  of  prices  and  rate  of 
discount. 

AGENTS. 

WALES,  EMMONS  &  Co.,      I      BREDEN  &  SOUTHWICK, 
66  Pearl  St.,  Boston.  |  107  «§•  109  Liberty  St.,  JVew  York. 

N.  N.  HALSTEAD,  President, 

E.  S.  CONVERSE,  Secretary. 


14 


DIRECTORY. 


UNITED  STATES 

AND 

Jfflttip  p&li  Signup 

S-A-MTTIEILi  goo^ei^, 

LATE  PRINCIPAL  EXAMINER  OF  PATENTS  IN  THE  UNITED 
STATES  PATENT  OFFICE  AT  WASHINGTON. 

Office,  Webster  Building,  3ST o.  13  Exchange  Street, 
BOSTON", 


Patents  procured  in  the  United  States,  and  in  all  other  patent 
granting  countries.  Specifications  and  Drawings  prepared.  Ca- 
veats filed.  Reconsiderations  procured,  of  applications  that  have 
been  rejected  upon  imperfectly  prepared  papers!  Interferences  pros- 
ecuted.   Re-Issues  and  Extensions  procured. 

Those  unacquainted  with  him  are  referred  to  following  testimonials: 
From  the  Hon.  Charles  Mason,  Commissioner  of  Patents. 

U.  S.  Patent  Office,  Feb.  28,  1855. 
"  I  take  great  pleasure  in  stating  that  during  the  time  I  have  been 
acting  as  Commissioner  of  Patents,  Samuel  Cooper,  Esq.,  of  Boston, 
has  been  engaged  as  solicitor,  and  has  been  engaged  in  that  capacity 
in  constant  correspondence  and  intercourse' with  the  office;  he  has 
evinced  a  thorough  acquaintance  with  Patent  Law,  and  with  the  rules 
and  practice  of  the  Office,  a  close  attention  to  the  interests  of  his  cli- 
ents, and  a  marked  candor  and  courtesy  that  has  rendered  the  tran- 
saction of  business  with  him  a  pleasure.  I  have^no  hesitation  in 
stating  that  I  regard  him  as  one  of  the  very  best  agents  for  the  tran- 
saction of  business  with  this  Office,  with  whom  I  am  acquainted. 

Charles  Mason,  Commissioner.9'' 
From  the  Examiners  in  the  Patent  Office.  - 
"  The  undersigned,  Principal  and  Assistant  Examiners  in  the  United 
States  Patent  Office,  have  for  several  years  been  well  acquainted  with 
Mr.  Samuel  Cooper,  lately  a  Principal  Examiner  in  this  Office,  and 
take  pleasure  in  stating  that  he  is  a  gentleman'  of  the  highest  moral 
character,  of  unquestioned  knowledge  in  the  business  and  practice  of 
the  Office,  and  that  his  scientific  attainments  are  such  as  eminently 
fit  him  for  the  business  in  which  he  is  about  to  engage. 

Henry  B.  Renwick, 
L.  D.  Gale, 
J.  11.  Lane, 
T.  R.  Peale, 

Thos.  T.  Everett,       1  Assistant 
P.  Southgate  Smith,  j  Examiners. 
William  C.  Langdon,  J 
"  From  long  acquaintance,  and  intimate  official  relations  with  Mr. 
Cooper,  I  fully  and  heartily  concur  in  the  foregoing  recommendation 
made  by  my  late  colleagues. 

Ww.  P   NT.  Fitzgerald.  late  Principal  Examiner  of  Patgnis. 


Principal 
Examiners. 


DIRECTOR* 


15 


GENTLEMEN'S 

:kto.  2.0  SCHOOIj  street. 
ISRAEL  M.  RICE,  Proprietor. 

This  Establishment,  of  thirteen  years'  standing,  has  long  since 
become  the  popular  resort  for  gentlemen  who  desire  first  class  Boots, 
Shoes  and  Gaiters.   I  import,  very  largely, 

B@@ts,  S&oes  ami  dates, 

from  the  well  known  manufactories  of  Gan  &  Four,  and  other 
equally  celebrated  makers.  I  also  make  to  measure,  all  styles  of 
work,  from  the  choicest  French  Stock,  of  my  own  importation. 

I  employ  none  but  scientific  workmen,  and  all  goods  from  my 
establishment  are  warranted  equal  to  the  best. 

ISRAEL  M.  RICE, 

No.  10  School  Street. 

MIOK»  MISSES  ASB  1IATI1S. 


JENKINS'  PATENT  PRESSES  AND  HEATERS,  for  making 
Cemen+ed  Boots  and  Shoes,  are  manufactured  at  Lynn,  Mass.,  where 
may  be  found  Presses  and  Heaters  in  practical  operation,  and  for 
sale,  of  any  required  fcrm  or  size,  made  under  the  immediate  atten- 
tion of  the  Patentee,  who  will  attend  to  putting  them  up  in  person, 
and  will  give  the  manufacturer  his  assistance  in  preparing  and  mak- 
ing the  various  Cements,  and  their  proper  application,  in  making  any 
form  of  Boot  or  Shoe,  together  with  his  practical  application  of 
Gutta  Percha  to  Boots  and  Shoes  for  the  last  nine  years,  including 
his  experience  in  making  and  using,  for  a  number  of  months  at 
Ballardvale. 

The  Steam  Lasts,  invented  and  patented  by  Mr.  Charles  Rice  and 
the  late  Syranus  H.  Wharf,  there  also  may  be  seen  a  full  set  of  Steam 
Lasts  for  making  Boots  and  Shoes,  according  to  said  patents. 

Any  further  information  respecting  the  Presses  or  Heaters  can  be 
obtained  by  addressing 

THOMAS  F.  BANCROFT, 

Lynn,  Mass. 


16 


DIRECTORY. 


SAMUEL  COX  &  S'ONS, 

Manufacturers  of  every  description  of 


FOR  LEATHER  WORK  OF  ALL?  KINDS. 


ALSO  FOR 

INDIA  RUBBER  BOOTS  AND  SHOES, 

all  of  which  are  manufactured  from  the  best  of  Stock,  thoroughly 
seasoned. 

Orders  answered  with  promptness  and  seasonable  despatch.  The 
Last  Manufactory  of  Cox  and  Sons  is  one  of  the  oldest  in  the  United 
States.   The  Manufactory  is  located  at  Maiden,  Mass. 

Office,  92  Pearl  Street,  Boston 


THREADS,  LINEN,  COTTON  &  SILK, 

FOR  EVERY  DESCRIPTION  OF 

JSDE3"W"X3STC3r  MACHINES. 

SHOE  THREAD,  CABLE  THREADS, 

SADLERS'      do  SEA  ISLAND  COTTON, 

GILLINGr        do  ERMAN'S  DIAMOND  do 

MARSHALL'S  do  PHILLIP'S  WAXED  do 

Also,  TWINE  of  every  variety. 

ROSS    &  PEARCE, 

"No.  7  Liberty  Square,  Boston,  Mass. 

AGENT  FOR  LICENSES. 

CHARLES  RICE,  84  Pearl  Street,  Boston,  is  the  Agent  for  the 
NORTH  AMERICAN  PATENT  BOOT  AND  SHOE  CO.  for  granting 
LICENCES  for  the  manufacture  of  CEMENTED  BOOTS  AND 
SHOES  under  Tyer  &  Helm's  Patent,  allusion  to  which  is  made  in 
this  work.    Terms  2  1-2  per  cent. 


DIRECTORY. 


17 


RUBBER,  m  SfJTTA  PERCHA 


VARIOUS  ETJBBEE  EABEICS  &  ARTICLES. 


MATTSON  &  CO., 
Proprietors  of  the  Roxbuiy  Rubber  Factory, 

Are  prepared  to  manufacture  the  following  new  articles  required  for 
the  CEMENTED  BOOTS  and  SHOES,  which  are  creating  a  new  era 
in  the  Shoe  business  : 

GuUa  Perclsa  and  Rubber  Cements. 

Co  ;f  filters  or  Stiffening^  of  any  required  compound. 

Water-Proof"  Linings  for  the  Uppers,  superior  to  and 
cheaper  than  Oiled  Silk. 

Water-Proof  Middle  SoBing  suited  to  pegged  or  sewod 
Boots  or  Shoes,  (a  most  desirable  article.) 

Gotta  Perch  a  Inner  Soling  of  any  required  thick- 
ness or  compound,  spread  on  cloth  or  otherwise. 

Crude  Gixtta  Percisa  cleaned  and  rolled  into  thin  sheets, 
suitable  for  making  Cements. 

ALSO  ON  HAND  THE  ORDINARY 

RUBBER  SOLING, 

adapted  in  thickness  to  a  lady's  slipper  or  a  heavy  boot,  with  Boxes 
of  CEMENT  for  putting  on  the  same. 

3^-  We  also  manufacture  the  cheapest  RUBBER  COATS  in  the 
United  States,  as  well  as  those  of  the  finest  quality;  UNDER-SHEET- 
ING for  the  protection  of  Beds;  Piano,  Melodeon  and  Table  Covers; 
Air  Beds,  Pillows  and  Cushions,  &c.  Dr.  Mattson's  ELASTIC 
SYRINGES,  to  which  Eour  Silver  Medals  had  been  awarded. 

MATTSON  &  CO., 

No.  »  Tremont  Temple,  Boston, 


18 


DIRECTORY. 


BOSWORTH'S 

$25  SEWING  MACHINE. 


This  machine  is  decidedly  the  best  in  the  market  for  Family  Use, 
and  is  warranted  to  sew  on  every  fabric  with  cotton  or  silk  on  the 
original  spools;  it  will  not  drop  stitches  nor  get  out  of  order:  no 
charge  made  for  repairs.  It  is  the  most  simple  and  perfect  machine 
ever  invented,  and  the  inventor  feels  confident  that  all  who  purchase 
it  will  find  what  they  have  lone:  sought,  a  perfect  and  reliable 
Machine  at  the  low  price  of  TWENTY-FIVE  DOLLARS. 

Reference  will  be  given  to  parties  wishing  to  purchase,  to  many 
families  who  have  the  machine  in  practical  use,  which  is  the  only  true 
test  by  which  a  purchaser  can  be  sure  of  obtaining  a  good  machine. 

All  orders  addressed  to  the  subscriber  will  meet  with  prompt  atten- 
tion. Agents  will  be  supplied  with  machines  at  a  liberal  discount, 
and  towns  secured  to  them.  Only  one  Agent  will  be  appointed  in  a 
place;  preference  being  given  to  the  best  location.  All  letters 
must  be  addressed  to  the  subscriber.  .  » 

I.  STETSON, 'Agent, 

No.  3  Tremont  Row,  (Up  Stairs,)  Op.  Head  of  Hanover  St. 


DIRECTORY. 


PATTERNS, 


PROPORTIONED    BY  MACHINERY. 


After  long  experience  in  the  Last  and  Pattern  Business,  I 
have  accomplished  that  which  has  hitherto  been  considered  an 
impossibility,  viz.,  Drawing  and  Proportioning  correctly,  sets  of 

BOOT   AND  SHOf!  PATTKBNS, 

of  all  sizes,  from  one  model  by  machinery,  giving  each  piece  its 
proportioned  size  and  shape.  For  full  description  and  illustra- 
tion, see  Diagrams  on  pages  81  to  88,  inclusive. 

The  machine  is  used  by  B.  F.  Parrott,  No.  4  Exchange  St., 
Boston,  to  whom  all  oiders  for  patterns  should  be  addressed. 

Also  on  hand,  a  large  assortment  of  BOOT  and  SHOE 
MODELS,  from  which  he  will  manufacture  Patterns  from  Paper, 
Pasteboard  or  Zinc.  Pasteboard  bound  with  Brass.  Also  Pat- 
terns copied  from  any  Boot  or  Shoe  which  may  be  sent  as  a 
model. 

I  am  also  manufacturing  WOMENS',  MISSES'  and  CHIL- 
D BENS'  LASTS  and  PATTEPvNS  to  correspond  with,  and  fit 
the  patterns  above  referred  to,  by  which  means  the  Boot  and 
Shoe  manufacturing  is  still  further  facilitated. 

Further  information  may  be  obtained  by  applying  to 

G.  W.  PARROTT, 
Mechanic  Steam  Mills,  Broad  St.,  Lynn,  Mass. 

The  Patterns  above  referred  to  are  used  by  the  principal  Man- 
ufacturers in  this  city  and  vicinity. 


ONE  PRICE  SHOE  STORE. 


LAMKIF  &  G-B.EEWE, 

COOLIDGE  BUILDING,  OPPOSITE  REVERE  HOUSE, 
BOSTON, 

KEEP   CONSTANTLY   ON  HAND 

FRENCH  &  AMERICAN  BOOTS  &  SHOES, 

Of  the  most  fashionable  styles,  which  they  offer  at  the  lowest 
prices. 

HT  BOOTS  AND  SHOES  MADE  TO  ORDER. 

J.  H.  GREENE.  G.  LAMKIN. 

R.  &  F.  KNOTT. 

16    SCHOOL  STREET, 
BOS  TO  ft. 


GETTY  RESEARCH  INSTITUTE 


3  3125  01277  2774 


